Caring for Individuals with Sickle Cell Disease
This course delves into nursing care for patients with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). It focuses on assessing and identifying complications, advocating for pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment approaches, and individualizing care to meet patient and family needs. Start learning more about SCD today!
Course Details
Overview
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder (adult hemoglobin [Hb] variants are inherited from both parents) that affects approximately 100,000 people in the United States, 90% of whom are Black. Deoxygenation and polymerization alter the shape of red blood cells (sickling), which leads to blood vessel occlusion and accompanying inflammation, infarction, organ damage, and pain. Best care practices for SCD include preventive measures to minimize morbidity and mortality, manage symptoms, and recognize severe and life-threatening complications. In addition, nurses must recognize and address psychosocial needs of patients and families and provide education about the disease.
Key Learning Outcomes
- Describe common symptoms and complications of sickle cell disease (SCD).
- Discuss pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic management of SCD.
Presented by:
Shannon Phillips, PhD, RN
Shannon Phillips is an associate professor at Medical University of South Carolina College of Nursing in Charleston.
