NSG 3800 & 3850 Exam 1 Questions With
Complete Solutions
Sickle Cell Anemia
a genetic disorder that causes abnormal
hemoglobin, resulting in some red blood cells
assuming an abnormal sickle shape
What does sickle cell anemia cause?
Abnormal shape of RBCs can cause decreased
oxygenation (because of the shape they can carry
oxygen as efficiently).
They can also cause occlusions in blood vessels,
resulting in pain.
What are the expected lab values for sickle cell
anemia?
Hemoglobin and Hematocrit will be chronically low,
however, when dehydrated they will create a 'false'
increase in values.
Bilirubin will increase.
WBC & Platelet will be higher (referred to as a
chronic inflammatory state)
,sickle cell anemia clinical manifestations &
expected findings?
Joint Pain
Fatigue
Tachycardia/Murmurs/Cardiomegaly (big heart)
Jaundice (Due to excess bilirubin)
Low O2 Saturation
HEADACHE THAT WON'T SUBSIDE
Why does sickle cell anemia cause higher levels of
bilirubin?
Sickle cell patient's RBCs do not have as long as a
life span as normal RBCs, therefore they are dying
out faster than the liver can filter them out.
sickle cell crisis: Acute Vaso-Occlusive Crisis
Entrapment of erythrocytes & leukocytes leading to
tissue hypoxia, inflammation, and necrosis. It is
VERY painful.
Sickle cell crisis: Acute Chest Syndrome
This is the leading cause of death in patients with
sickle cell.
a severe lung-related complication of sickle
cell disease that affects both children and
adults. It creates a pneumonia like illness.
Sickle cell crisis: Aplastic Crisis
, Results from the human parvovirus.
Hemoglobin levels will fall rapidly and bone marrow
cannot compensate, AS EVIDENCE BY THE
ABSENCE OF RETICULOCYTES (immature RBCs)
Sickle cell crisis: Sequestration Crisis
Results when organs pool the sickled cells. Can
effect the liver, spleen, and LUNGS.
Complications of Sickle cell disease?
Stroke, Kidney/liver Failure, HF, Pulmonary HTN,
Acute Chest Syndrome, Infection, & Reproductive
Issues.
remember these patients are at risk for occlusions
in blood vessels.
Sickle Cell Nursing Interventions
H.ydration
O.xygenation
P.ain Management
Keep the patient warm. Cold temperatures can
send these patients into a crisis.
YOU NEED AN ORDER TO GIVE PRN
BREAKTHROUGH PAIN MEDICATIONS.
Sickle Cell Nursing Care
Complete Solutions
Sickle Cell Anemia
a genetic disorder that causes abnormal
hemoglobin, resulting in some red blood cells
assuming an abnormal sickle shape
What does sickle cell anemia cause?
Abnormal shape of RBCs can cause decreased
oxygenation (because of the shape they can carry
oxygen as efficiently).
They can also cause occlusions in blood vessels,
resulting in pain.
What are the expected lab values for sickle cell
anemia?
Hemoglobin and Hematocrit will be chronically low,
however, when dehydrated they will create a 'false'
increase in values.
Bilirubin will increase.
WBC & Platelet will be higher (referred to as a
chronic inflammatory state)
,sickle cell anemia clinical manifestations &
expected findings?
Joint Pain
Fatigue
Tachycardia/Murmurs/Cardiomegaly (big heart)
Jaundice (Due to excess bilirubin)
Low O2 Saturation
HEADACHE THAT WON'T SUBSIDE
Why does sickle cell anemia cause higher levels of
bilirubin?
Sickle cell patient's RBCs do not have as long as a
life span as normal RBCs, therefore they are dying
out faster than the liver can filter them out.
sickle cell crisis: Acute Vaso-Occlusive Crisis
Entrapment of erythrocytes & leukocytes leading to
tissue hypoxia, inflammation, and necrosis. It is
VERY painful.
Sickle cell crisis: Acute Chest Syndrome
This is the leading cause of death in patients with
sickle cell.
a severe lung-related complication of sickle
cell disease that affects both children and
adults. It creates a pneumonia like illness.
Sickle cell crisis: Aplastic Crisis
, Results from the human parvovirus.
Hemoglobin levels will fall rapidly and bone marrow
cannot compensate, AS EVIDENCE BY THE
ABSENCE OF RETICULOCYTES (immature RBCs)
Sickle cell crisis: Sequestration Crisis
Results when organs pool the sickled cells. Can
effect the liver, spleen, and LUNGS.
Complications of Sickle cell disease?
Stroke, Kidney/liver Failure, HF, Pulmonary HTN,
Acute Chest Syndrome, Infection, & Reproductive
Issues.
remember these patients are at risk for occlusions
in blood vessels.
Sickle Cell Nursing Interventions
H.ydration
O.xygenation
P.ain Management
Keep the patient warm. Cold temperatures can
send these patients into a crisis.
YOU NEED AN ORDER TO GIVE PRN
BREAKTHROUGH PAIN MEDICATIONS.
Sickle Cell Nursing Care
