NSG 3800 & 3850 EXAM 1 | QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS | 2025/2026 UPDATE | WITH COMPLETE
SOLUTION.
Sickle Cell Anemia Answer - a genetic disorder that causes abnormal
hemoglobin, resulting in some red blood cells assuming an abnormal sickle
shape
What does sickle cell anemia cause? Answer - 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? Answer - 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? Answer - 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? Answer - 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 Answer - Entrapment of
erythrocytes & leukocytes leading to tissue hypoxia, inflammation, and
necrosis. It is VERY painful.
Sickle cell crisis: Acute Chest Syndrome Answer - 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 Answer - 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 Answer - Results when organs pool the
sickled cells. Can effect the liver, spleen, and LUNGS.
Complications of Sickle cell disease? Answer - 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 Answer - 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 Answer - educate on PCA pump, incentive spirometry.
Cluster care as much as possible.
Allow patients to take breaks during activities.
Infection prevention: Hand hygiene & Antibiotic Prophylaxis
Sickle Cell Medical Management Answer - Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplant
Aspirin to help relieve mild/moderate pain, Hydromorphine for sever pain.
Chemotherapy: hydroxyurea- this decreases formation of sickled cells.
Blood Transfusions
Corticosterioids
Iron Supplements
IV FLUIDS!
What causes the abnormal shape of cells with Sickle Cell? Answer - Strands
inside the cell cause the abnormal shape. These strands come from abnormal
hemoglobin formation.
Potassium: High Levels s/s Answer - PEAKED T-WAVES
ANSWERS | 2025/2026 UPDATE | WITH COMPLETE
SOLUTION.
Sickle Cell Anemia Answer - a genetic disorder that causes abnormal
hemoglobin, resulting in some red blood cells assuming an abnormal sickle
shape
What does sickle cell anemia cause? Answer - 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? Answer - 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? Answer - 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? Answer - 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 Answer - Entrapment of
erythrocytes & leukocytes leading to tissue hypoxia, inflammation, and
necrosis. It is VERY painful.
Sickle cell crisis: Acute Chest Syndrome Answer - 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 Answer - 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 Answer - Results when organs pool the
sickled cells. Can effect the liver, spleen, and LUNGS.
Complications of Sickle cell disease? Answer - 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 Answer - 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 Answer - educate on PCA pump, incentive spirometry.
Cluster care as much as possible.
Allow patients to take breaks during activities.
Infection prevention: Hand hygiene & Antibiotic Prophylaxis
Sickle Cell Medical Management Answer - Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplant
Aspirin to help relieve mild/moderate pain, Hydromorphine for sever pain.
Chemotherapy: hydroxyurea- this decreases formation of sickled cells.
Blood Transfusions
Corticosterioids
Iron Supplements
IV FLUIDS!
What causes the abnormal shape of cells with Sickle Cell? Answer - Strands
inside the cell cause the abnormal shape. These strands come from abnormal
hemoglobin formation.
Potassium: High Levels s/s Answer - PEAKED T-WAVES
