A nurse is caring for a child with sickle cell anemia. The parent is asking the nurse about a treatment that would cure the child. Which is the best answer the nurse can provide the parent?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sickle cell anemia is a genetic condition that cannot be cured. Treatments are aimed at reducing complications and managing symptoms to improve a patient's quality of life. Blood transfusions may be given to help reduce the number of sickle cells in the patient's blood and improve oxygen levels. Splenectomy, or surgical removal of the spleen, is sometimes recommended to reduce complications such as infections, but it does not cure the condition. Improvement of nitric acid bioavailability is a line of research aimed at developing future treatments but is not currently a cure for sickle cell anemia.

A Nurse Is Caring for a Child with Sickle Cell