SICKLE CELL DISEASE
THE BASICS:
THE BASICS:
- In sickle cell disease, the red blood cells are stiff, sicky and sickle in shape.
- The sickle cell can clump during a crisis and cause lack of blood flow to organs and tissues which results in anemia, pain, fatigue and learning disabilities.
- It is important to the take the temperature of any student with sickle cell disease when they come to the clinic not feeling well. Children with sickle cell have increased risk for infection.
- Children with sickle cell are also at risk for acute chest syndrome and stroke.
SIGNS OF STROKE INCLUDE:
SIGNS OF STROKE INCLUDE:
jerking/twitching of body parts
seizures
unusual behavior
unsteady walk or gait
stuttering or slurred speech
weakness
vision changes
severe headaches
vomiting
IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER:
IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER:
ALLOW FOR HYDRATION AND RESTROOM BREAKS
LOOK FOR SIGNS OF FEVER
AVOID VIGOROUS EXERCISE ON HOT DAYS AND ALLOW BREAKS WHEN NEEDED
NO ICE PACKS SHOULD BE GIVEN WHEN INJURED, THIS COULD PLACE THE STUDENT AT RISK FOR A CRISIS DUE TO EXTREME TEMPERATURE CHANGE