The nurse is caring for a 5-year-old male African American client who reports severe pain in his arms and legs and stomach. The nurse notes that the client has jaundice, fever, dyspnea, and swelling of the hands and feet. What blood disorder would the nurse suspect?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms described, including severe pain in the arms and legs, jaundice, fever, dyspnea, and swelling of the hands and feet, are characteristic of sickle cell disease, especially in an African American child. Sickle cell disease causes red blood cells to become misshapen and break down, leading to these symptoms.

The Nurse Is Caring for a 5-Year-Old Male African American