NURS 6521: Advanced Pharmacology
Week Nine
INITIAL POST
Sickle Cell Anemia
Sickle cell anemia is n autosomal recessive disorder in which abnormal hemoglobin leads
to chronic hemolytic anemia with numerous clinical consequences (Arcangelo, Peterson, Wilbur,
& Reinhold, 2017). Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) make a different kind of hemoglobin
called hemoglobin S. Hemoglobin S differs from normal hemoglobin A. Patients can have sickle
cell crisis that usually occur when patients become physically stressed from exercise or exposed
to cold temperatures. The pain that goes along with sickle cell is severe. The pain usually occurs
in the back, ribs, or limbs.
Drugs and Treatment
There is no specific drug treatment for sickle cell anemia (Arcangelo, Peterson, Wilbur,
& Reinhold, 2017). The best case is to work on prevention and treatment of any complication
such as a sickle cell crisis. In some cases, Hydroxyurea is used but this again is help prevent the
number of crisis a patient could have. However, hydroxyurea is cytotoxic and should be
cautiously used. The best way to care for a patient that has sickle cell anemia is to assist with
pain management. NSAID’s are usually given for anti-inflammatory effects but is also, has
analgesic and antipyretic properties. Toradol or Ketorolac has a good effect on pain and
inflammation. However, caution has to be taken with Ketorolac if a patient has renal issues.
Fluids are usually given IV. If the patient has chronic long-term issues with sickle cell, crisis
opioids can be used for breakthrough pain.
Genetics
Week Nine
INITIAL POST
Sickle Cell Anemia
Sickle cell anemia is n autosomal recessive disorder in which abnormal hemoglobin leads
to chronic hemolytic anemia with numerous clinical consequences (Arcangelo, Peterson, Wilbur,
& Reinhold, 2017). Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) make a different kind of hemoglobin
called hemoglobin S. Hemoglobin S differs from normal hemoglobin A. Patients can have sickle
cell crisis that usually occur when patients become physically stressed from exercise or exposed
to cold temperatures. The pain that goes along with sickle cell is severe. The pain usually occurs
in the back, ribs, or limbs.
Drugs and Treatment
There is no specific drug treatment for sickle cell anemia (Arcangelo, Peterson, Wilbur,
& Reinhold, 2017). The best case is to work on prevention and treatment of any complication
such as a sickle cell crisis. In some cases, Hydroxyurea is used but this again is help prevent the
number of crisis a patient could have. However, hydroxyurea is cytotoxic and should be
cautiously used. The best way to care for a patient that has sickle cell anemia is to assist with
pain management. NSAID’s are usually given for anti-inflammatory effects but is also, has
analgesic and antipyretic properties. Toradol or Ketorolac has a good effect on pain and
inflammation. However, caution has to be taken with Ketorolac if a patient has renal issues.
Fluids are usually given IV. If the patient has chronic long-term issues with sickle cell, crisis
opioids can be used for breakthrough pain.
Genetics
