A 24-year-old male client is admitted with a diagnosis of sickle cell anemia. The nurse discusses his disease with him and emphasizes the following information:

Question

Options

• AHe should monitor his sputum, stools, and urine for signs of bleeding.
• BHis daily diet should include a large amount of fluid.
• CHe should not be concerned about having to fly on a commuter airplane on a weekly basis.
• DHe should not worry about having children because this disease is passed on only by female

• A
  6% (2)
• B
  89% (32)
• C
  3% (1)
• D
  3% (1)

Explanation

(A) Bleeding is not a symptom of sickle cell anemia or sickle cell crisis. (B) Decreased blood viscosity leads to sickling of red blood cells. Increased fluid intake maintains adequate circulating blood volume and decreases the chance of sickling. (C) Hypoxia leads to sickling of cells. Flying in nonpressurized planes places the client in a situation of low O2 tension, which can lead to sickling. (D) Male and female clients with sickle cell disease can pass the trait on to their offspring. Therefore, this client should receive genetic counseling prior to having children.

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