Question

During a sickle-cell crisis, are the following values elevated or decreased; Hgb, WBC count, Bilirubin & reticulocyte levels?

A) Elevated
B) Decreased
C) Normal
D) Variable

Answer 1

During a sickle-cell crisis, Hgb is decreased, WBC count is variable, Bilirubin is elevated, and reticulocyte levels are elevated.

Step-by-step explanation:

During a sickle-cell crisis, the following values are affected:

1. Hgb (Hemoglobin) - Decreased
2. WBC count (White Blood Cell count) - Variable (can be elevated, decreased, or normal)
3. Bilirubin - Elevated
4. Reticulocyte levels - Elevated

In sickle-cell anemia, the abnormal hemoglobin causes the red blood cells to assume a sickle shape, leading to various complications. The destruction of these abnormal red blood cells causes a decrease in hemoglobin levels. The white blood cell count can be variable, as there may be an increase in response to infection. Bilirubin levels are elevated due to excessive hemolysis, and reticulocyte levels are elevated as the bone marrow produces more red blood cells to compensate for the loss.