Reference no: EM133993532

Question

A nurse is discussing sickle cell disease with a couple who has come to this country from Western Sudan with their three children. The couple's 7 year-old son was just diagnosed with sickle cell disease. They noticed something was wrong when he developed weakness and intense "cramping in his legs" when taking part in after school soccer. He stopped participating in vigorous physical activity and was better for a while, but a few months later got really sick with "a virus" and developed severe pain in his abdomen and also yellowing of his eyes and the palms of his hands. They have been informed by a surgeon that their son will need to have his spleen removed and they are very frightened The nurse examines the child and abdominal percussion reveals areas of dullness.

1. What is going on with this young patient? Explain this in terms the average non-medically educated family could understand.

2. What should be included in a plan of care for this child?

3. The couple has one older daughter (11) and an older son (14). Should their two older children be tested? Neither parent has had any signs or symptoms of sickle cell disease.