Question

A child suspected of sickle cell disease is seen in the clinic, and laboratory studies are performed. The nurse reviews the results of the laboratory studies and expects to note which of the following that is a characteristic of this disease?

a) Elevated red blood cell count.

b) Presence of hemophilia.

c) Increased white blood cell count.

d) Hemoglobin S.

Answer 1

Sickle cell disease is characterized by the presence of Hemoglobin S, which causes a change in the shape of red blood cells. This change in shape results in a sickle or crescent shape, leading to various health problems.

Step-by-step explanation:

A child suspected of sickle cell disease will have laboratory results that show the presence of Hemoglobin S. Sickle cell disease is characterized by a change in the shape of red blood cells, resulting in a sickle shape. This change in shape is caused by the production of an abnormal type of hemoglobin called hemoglobin S. This abnormal hemoglobin delivers less oxygen to tissues and causes the red blood cells to assume a crescent shape, especially in low oxygen concentrations.