Week 2 Summary
Based on the discussion, SCD is a genetic disorder that develops due to homozygosity for HbS
or sickle cell anemia (Thomas & Simmons, 2017). Hence, when the RBCs are exposed to HbS
they become polymerized and rigid and eventually predisposed to hemolysis, tissue ischemia,
vaso-occlusion and infarction. SCD is prevalent among persons of Arab, Indiana and African
ancestry (Inusa et al., 2019). Approximately, 300,000 children are born with SCD annually, of
which 75% are Africans (Eleonore et al., 2020). The risk factors for SCD include sickle cell
anemia, family hx of SCD, Arabs, Hispanic-Americans, Africa, Asian, Indian and Mediterranean
descent (Madani et al., 2019). Main clinical assessment findings of SCD are vaso-occlusion,
infection, anemia and splenic sequestration crisis (Inusa et al., 2019).
Various diagnostics tests/labs can be used to confirm SCD such as hemoglobin electrophoresis
PFT, HPLC and TDU. Early diagnosis through screening followed by prophylactic oral penicillin
can prevent SCD by reducing risk of infection in the early years of life (DiMartino et al., 2018).
BMT and blood transfusion are the commonly used treatment options for SCD. Nevertheless,
BMT can contribute to organ injury and fetal infections, hence suitable for severe cases (Kassim
& Sharma, 2017). Besides, Hydroxyurea is first line pharmacological intervention for managing
SCD by lowering the incidence of vaso-occlusive crisis, acute chest syndrome, mortality as well
as morbidity rate (Inusa et al., 2019). On the other hand, SCD pain is triggered by dehydration,
infection and exposure to cold, thus supportive care is an effective non-pharmacological
intervention for managing the condition. Essentially, supportive care that entails warmth and
hydration can reduce vaso-occlusive episodes (Inusa et al., 2019).
With respect to education, information patient and family on preventative therapies especially
regular surveillance and penicillin prophylaxis can help in reducing the risk of SCD. Moreover,
patients and family should be educated on genetic basis of the disease and medication
compliance. Compliance to hydroxyurea can reduce adverse effects of the disease by increasing
fetal Hb. Regular follow ups are also necessary in improving quality of life.
Open-ended questions
This study source was downloaded by 100000861564172 from CourseHero.com on 02-08-2023 12:52:44 GMT -06:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/70113737/NR-602-Week-2-Summarydocx/
, This study source was downloaded by 100000861564172 from CourseHero.com on 02-08-2023 12:52:44 GMT -06:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/70113737/NR-602-Week-2-Summarydocx/
Based on the discussion, SCD is a genetic disorder that develops due to homozygosity for HbS
or sickle cell anemia (Thomas & Simmons, 2017). Hence, when the RBCs are exposed to HbS
they become polymerized and rigid and eventually predisposed to hemolysis, tissue ischemia,
vaso-occlusion and infarction. SCD is prevalent among persons of Arab, Indiana and African
ancestry (Inusa et al., 2019). Approximately, 300,000 children are born with SCD annually, of
which 75% are Africans (Eleonore et al., 2020). The risk factors for SCD include sickle cell
anemia, family hx of SCD, Arabs, Hispanic-Americans, Africa, Asian, Indian and Mediterranean
descent (Madani et al., 2019). Main clinical assessment findings of SCD are vaso-occlusion,
infection, anemia and splenic sequestration crisis (Inusa et al., 2019).
Various diagnostics tests/labs can be used to confirm SCD such as hemoglobin electrophoresis
PFT, HPLC and TDU. Early diagnosis through screening followed by prophylactic oral penicillin
can prevent SCD by reducing risk of infection in the early years of life (DiMartino et al., 2018).
BMT and blood transfusion are the commonly used treatment options for SCD. Nevertheless,
BMT can contribute to organ injury and fetal infections, hence suitable for severe cases (Kassim
& Sharma, 2017). Besides, Hydroxyurea is first line pharmacological intervention for managing
SCD by lowering the incidence of vaso-occlusive crisis, acute chest syndrome, mortality as well
as morbidity rate (Inusa et al., 2019). On the other hand, SCD pain is triggered by dehydration,
infection and exposure to cold, thus supportive care is an effective non-pharmacological
intervention for managing the condition. Essentially, supportive care that entails warmth and
hydration can reduce vaso-occlusive episodes (Inusa et al., 2019).
With respect to education, information patient and family on preventative therapies especially
regular surveillance and penicillin prophylaxis can help in reducing the risk of SCD. Moreover,
patients and family should be educated on genetic basis of the disease and medication
compliance. Compliance to hydroxyurea can reduce adverse effects of the disease by increasing
fetal Hb. Regular follow ups are also necessary in improving quality of life.
Open-ended questions
This study source was downloaded by 100000861564172 from CourseHero.com on 02-08-2023 12:52:44 GMT -06:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/70113737/NR-602-Week-2-Summarydocx/
, This study source was downloaded by 100000861564172 from CourseHero.com on 02-08-2023 12:52:44 GMT -06:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/70113737/NR-602-Week-2-Summarydocx/
