Question

The patent of a teen with sickle cell anemia should be instructed to take which precaution with regard to sports activities. which is the correct answer.

1. The child should not participate in any contact sports.

2. Make sure the child is well hydrated during the activity.

3.If a cut occurs, apply pressure to the area for at least one hour.

4. Administer pain medication one hour before the activity begins.

Answer 1

Sickle cell disease is characterised by sickle shaped RBC which impairs the ability of RBC to carry oxygen. The sickle cells may get sometimes dislodged at one place resulting in pain crisis. Stress and dehydration precipitates the pain crisis caused by sickle cell disease.
Therefore making sure to keep the child is well hydrated during the activity is the most important precaution with regard to sports activities.
Sickle cell anemia is not infectious and is not a contact disease so the child can participate in contact sports.
Sickle anemia does not prolong cloting time or bleeding time therefore bleeding injury does not need pressure application for hours.
Administering pain medication one hour before the activity begins will not manage pain crisis caused by sickle cell anemia.
Answer : 2. Make sure the child is well hydrated during the activity.