The home health nurse is visiting a 15-year-old with sickle cell disease. Which information obtained on the visit would cause the most concern? The client:

Likes to play baseballDrinks several carbonated drinks per dayHas two sisters with sickle cell traitIs taking Tylenol to control pain

Explanation.

The client with sickle cell is likely to experience symptoms of hypoxia if he becomes dehydrated or lacks oxygen. Extreme exercise especially in warm weather can exacerbate the condition so the fact that the client plays baseball should be of great concern to the visiting nurse. Answers B C and D are not factors for concern with sickle cell disease.