Question

Which does the nurse recognize as the most accurate in diagnosing sickle cell anemia? A. Sickledex B. Hemoglobin electrophoresis C. Partial thromboplastin time D. Complete blood count

Short answer

Answer: Hemoglobin electrophoresis.

Step-by-step solution

Understand what each test measures

Before choosing the correct answer, it's important to have a clear understanding of what each medical test measures: A. Sickledex: a rapid screening test used to detect the presence of sickle hemoglobin (HbS). B. Hemoglobin electrophoresis: a test that separates and measures different types of hemoglobin present in the blood, used for diagnosing various hemoglobinopathies, including sickle cell anemia. C. Partial thromboplastin time: a test used to assess blood clotting functions, not related to sickle cell anemia diagnosis. D. Complete blood count: a test that measures several components of blood, such as red and white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets, which provides a general view of the patient's health status but is not specific for diagnosing sickle cell anemia.

Choose the most accurate test for diagnosing sickle cell anemia

Now that we understand each test's purpose, we can evaluate which one is the most accurate for diagnosing sickle cell anemia. Since Partial thromboplastin time and Complete blood count are not specific for diagnosing sickle cell anemia, we can eliminate those options. Between Sickledex and Hemoglobin electrophoresis, the latter is considered the gold standard test for diagnosing sickle cell anemia because it is more accurate and can identify different types of abnormal hemoglobin. Therefore, the correct answer is: B. Hemoglobin electrophoresis.

Key concepts

Nursing Diagnostics

Nursing diagnostics play a crucial role in patient care and treatment planning. It is the process through which nurses collect and interpret data to determine a patient's health status. Effective nursing diagnostics require keen observation, thorough assessment, and recognition of symptoms. Nurses use this data to create patient-centered care plans. Given their position at the frontline of healthcare, nurses often first recognize symptoms that might require further medical tests. An accurate nursing diagnosis helps:

• Identify potential health problems and risks.
• Provide a basis for selecting nursing interventions.
• Improve patient outcomes.

In the context of a condition like sickle cell anemia, proper diagnostic procedures can lead to timely interventions, potentially improving patient quality of life immensely.

Sickle Cell Anemia

Sickle cell anemia is a genetic blood disorder characterized by red blood cells that assume an abnormal, rigid, sickle shape. These sickle-shaped cells can block blood flow, leading to pain and organ damage. The condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, meaning both parents must carry the sickle cell gene for a child to be affected. Here are important facts about sickle cell anemia:

• It's more common in individuals of African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Indian descent.
• Symptoms include anemia, episodes of pain known as sickle cell crises, delayed growth, and vision problems.
• Management includes pain relief, hydration, and sometimes blood transfusion or bone marrow transplant.

Early diagnosis, such as through newborn screening, is vital to managing the disease effectively.

Medical Tests

Understanding medical tests is key in accessing proper healthcare. Medical tests provide essential information about a person's health and help in diagnosing diseases. For sickle cell anemia, certain tests are more pertinent than others. Key tests relevant to sickle cell anemia diagnosis include:

• Sickledex: A quick screening test that indicates the presence of sickle hemoglobin.
• Hemoglobin electrophoresis: The most precise test, confirming the diagnosis by quantifying different hemoglobin types.
• Other tests like the complete blood count (CBC) are generally less specific but helpful in assessing overall health.

Choosing the right tests based on symptoms and patient history is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Hemoglobin Electrophoresis

Hemoglobin electrophoresis is a detailed test used to measure and separate different types of hemoglobin present in the blood. This test is crucial for diagnosing disorders like sickle cell anemia. By applying an electric field, hemoglobins move and separate based on their charge and size. Benefits of hemoglobin electrophoresis include:

• Identification of different types of hemoglobin, such as HbS, the abnormal form in sickle cell anemia.
• Clarifying the presence of beta-thalassemia, another type of blood disorder.
• Providing a comprehensive hemoglobin analysis to inform patient management and treatment strategies.

While other tests may indicate a possibility of sickle cell disease, hemoglobin electrophoresis provides definitive confirmation, making it an essential part of the diagnostic process.