A client with sickle cell disease (SCD)takes hydroxyurea (Droxia).The client presents to the clinic reporting an increase in fatigue.What laboratory result should the nurse report immediately?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Although individuals with SCD often have elevated white blood cell (WBC)counts,this extreme elevation could indicate leukemia,a complication of taking hydroxyurea.The nurse should report this finding immediately.Alternatively,it could indicate infection,a serious problem for clients with SCD.Hematocrit and hemoglobin levels are normally low in people with SCD.The potassium level,while slightly low,is not as worrisome as the WBCs.

A Client with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)takes Hydroxyurea (Droxia)