NSG 3800 Exam 1 | Actual Study Questions and
verified Answers complete Solutions | A+ Graded |
2026 Updates | 100% correct
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
Muscle Weakness
Diarrhea
Intestinal Cramping
Flaccid Paralysis
Intestinal Colic, Abdominal Distention & Cramping
Irritable and Anxious
Potassium: Low Levels s/s - ANSWER- U WAVES
Excessive Thirst
Fatigue
Muscle Weakness
Low Bowel Motility
Polyuria
Potassium: What can cause high levels? - ANSWER- Excessive Intake
Decreased Excretion
Impaired Renal Function
Hypoaldosteronism: Conditions w Low Aldosterone Levels
verified Answers complete Solutions | A+ Graded |
2026 Updates | 100% correct
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
Muscle Weakness
Diarrhea
Intestinal Cramping
Flaccid Paralysis
Intestinal Colic, Abdominal Distention & Cramping
Irritable and Anxious
Potassium: Low Levels s/s - ANSWER- U WAVES
Excessive Thirst
Fatigue
Muscle Weakness
Low Bowel Motility
Polyuria
Potassium: What can cause high levels? - ANSWER- Excessive Intake
Decreased Excretion
Impaired Renal Function
Hypoaldosteronism: Conditions w Low Aldosterone Levels
