Question

Patient with sickle cell disease with severe signs of anemia and enlarging spleen:

a) Aplastic crisis; Supportive care and blood transfusion
b) Splenic sequestration crisis; Blood transfusion and splenectomy
c) Hemolytic crisis; Hydroxyurea and folic acid supplementation
d) Acute chest syndrome; Antibiotics and exchange transfusion

Answer 1

A patient with sickle cell disease experiencing severe signs of anemia and an enlarging spleen is likely going through a splenic sequestration crisis. This condition can be life-threatening and requires treatment such as blood transfusion and possibly splenectomy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient with sickle cell disease experiencing severe signs of anemia and an enlarging spleen is likely going through a splenic sequestration crisis. This is a life-threatening condition where red blood cells get trapped in the spleen, leading to a sudden decrease in circulating blood volume. The treatment for this crisis involves blood transfusion to replace the trapped blood cells and relieve symptoms. In some cases, a splenectomy (surgical removal of the spleen) may also be necessary.