Patho
The abnormal hemoglobin responsible for sickling.
What is... HbS (hemoglobin S)?
The most important fluid-related strategy for preventing sickling.
What is... maintaining adequate hydration?
The hallmark symptom caused by tissue ischemia.
What is... severe pain?
A simple transfusion increases this.
What is... oxygen-carrying capacity?
Facial droop, unilateral weakness, and speech changes suggest this complication.
What is... a stroke?
This occurs when HbS is exposed to low oxygen.
What is... polymerization?
This type of illness can trigger a sickle cell crisis.
What is... infection/fever?
This intervention is appropriate when oral intake is inadequate.
What are... prescribed IV fluids?
An exchange transfusion removes sickled RBCs and replaces them with these.
What are... donor RBCs?
New chest pain, fever, and low SpO₂ should make you suspect this emergency.
What is... acute chest syndrome?
Rigid sickled RBCs blocking small blood vessels cause this process.
What is... vaso-occlusion?
This environmental condition can promote hypoxemia and sickling.
What is... high altitude?
This should be avoided because it can promote vasoconstriction.
What is... cold exposure?
Name one severe SCD complication that may require transfusion.
What is... acute stroke or severe acute chest syndrome?
Rapid splenic enlargement with falling hemoglobin in a child suggests this emergency.
What is... splenic sequestration?
This process causes chronic anemia and jaundice.
What is... hemolysis?
Extreme exposure to this can trigger sickling.
What are... extreme temperatures?
Oxygen is indicated when this is present—not automatically for every uncomplicated pain crisis.
What is... hypoxemia?
During a transfusion, the client develops concerning symptoms. What is the nurse's priority action?
What is... stop the transfusion and follow the facility's transfusion-reaction protocol?
Loss of splenic function places the client at increased risk for this major complication.
What is... serious infection?
The two major processes responsible for most SCD complications.
What are... hemolysis and vaso-occlusion?
Name 4 common triggers for a vaso-occlusive crisis.
What is...Dehydration, Hypoxemia, Infection/fever, Extreme temperatures
In a client experiencing a vaso-occlusive crisis, this NEW finding signals a potentially life-threatening complication rather than an uncomplicated pain episode.
What is... New chest pain and hypoxemia
Two major long-term complications of chronic transfusion therapy.
What are... iron overload and alloimmunization?
This complication results from chronic ischemia and causes damage to the bone, commonly involving the femoral or humeral head.
What is... avascular necrosis?