Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 83%
Full-length
A 15-month old is admitted in sickle crisis. The parents ask why the child did not have any symptoms until now. What should be included in the nurse's response?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
High fetal hemoglobin (HbF) in infants inhibits sickling, delaying sickle cell anemia symptoms until HbF decreases around 6-12 months, replaced by adult hemoglobin.