Sickle cell disease
Structured condition card with NCLEX priority cues and nursing action focus.
Hematologic / ImmuneAutoimmune / GeneticPediatricshigh priorityneeds review
Sickle cell disease
Also testable as: SCD, Sickle cell anemia, Vaso-occlusive crisis
Etiology / Pathophysiology
- Inherited hemoglobin disorder causes red cells to sickle under stressors such as hypoxia, dehydration, infection, or cold.
- Sickled RBCs block microcirculation, causing ischemic pain, anemia, and organ damage.
Medications
No specific medication class was seeded for this card.
Nursing actions
- Assess pain, oxygenation, hydration, fever, neurologic changes, chest symptoms, and splenic enlargement in children.
- Support oxygen if hypoxic, fluids as ordered, pain control, warmth, and infection evaluation.
- Teach hydration, avoiding extreme cold/high altitude, immunizations, and fever reporting.
Complications
- Acute chest syndrome
- Stroke
- Sepsis
- Splenic sequestration
- Priapism
NCLEX cues
- Severe pain crisis needs prompt pain control.
- Fever is high priority.
- Chest pain or neuro changes are emergency cues.
Memory hooks
- Sickle blocks blood flow; prevent hypoxia and dehydration.
Labs / Diagnostics
- CBC
- Reticulocyte count
- Pulse oximetry
- Chest x-ray for chest symptoms
- Hemoglobin electrophoresis
Review notes
- Supplemental wife-requested study card. Use for NCLEX review only and verify against school materials, ATI/NCLEX review sources, current orders, and facility policy.