Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 86%
Simulated
Passage / Scenario
Child with sickle cell anemia, normal hemoglobin at birth, now has hemoglobin SA mother with sickle anemia asks the nurse why her child's hemoglobin was normal at birth and now the child has the S hemoglobin (sickle cell). Which of the following is an appropriate response from the nurse?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
The correct answer is D because at birth, newborns have a high concentration of fetal hemoglobin in their blood, which gradually decreases and is replaced by adult hemoglobin. In the case of sickle cell anemia, the normal fetal hemoglobin is gradually replaced by abnormal S hemoglobin, leading to the manifestation of the disease. This process explains why the child's hemoglobin was normal at birth but later changed to S hemoglobin.
Choice A is incorrect because the bone marrow does produce hemoglobin, including the abnormal S hemoglobin in individuals with sickle cell anemia.
Choice B is incorrect because the placenta does not prevent the passage of hemoglobin S from the mother to the fetus, as it is a genetic condition inherited from the parents.
Choice C is incorrect because antibodies transmitted from the mother do not play a role in the development of sickle cell anemia.
Overall, the correct answer provides a clear and logical explanation for the change in hemoglobin type in the child with sick
Choice A is incorrect because the bone marrow does produce hemoglobin, including the abnormal S hemoglobin in individuals with sickle cell anemia.
Choice B is incorrect because the placenta does not prevent the passage of hemoglobin S from the mother to the fetus, as it is a genetic condition inherited from the parents.
Choice C is incorrect because antibodies transmitted from the mother do not play a role in the development of sickle cell anemia.
Overall, the correct answer provides a clear and logical explanation for the change in hemoglobin type in the child with sick