Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 80%
Simulated
Passage / Scenario
A nurse is providing care to an infant newly diagnosed with sickle cell anemia.Which of the following statements should the nurse include about sickled red blood cells? Select all that apply.
Correct answer
B,D,E
Rationale
The correct answers are B, D, and E. B is correct because sickled red blood cells have an abnormal shape that causes them to clump together, leading to blockages in blood vessels. D is correct because the rigid shape of sickled cells makes it hard for them to pass through smaller vessels, causing further blockages. E is correct because sickled cells have a shorter lifespan due to being more fragile, leading to a decreased number of functional red blood cells in circulation. Choices A and C are incorrect as sickled cells are not flexible and do not have a long lifespan.