🩺 What is Sickle Cell Anemia?

Sickle cell anemia is a blood problem you are born with. It changes the shape of your red blood cells. Normal red blood cells are round like donuts. In sickle cell anemia, some red blood cells become shaped like a "C" or a sickle (a curved farming tool). These sickle cells don’t move well through blood vessels and can get stuck. This causes pain and other health problems.

🔍 Causes

Sickle cell anemia is caused by a problem in your genes. You inherit it from your parents. You cannot catch it from someone else.

⚠️ Symptoms

People with sickle cell anemia may have:

• Pain in the arms, legs, back, or chest (called a sickle cell crisis)
  
  

• Feeling very tired or weak
  
  

• Trouble breathing
  
  

• Yellow eyes or skin (called jaundice)
  
  

• Swelling in hands or feet
  
  

• Frequent infections
  
  

• Dizziness or headache
  
  

📞 When to Call Your Home Health Care Nurse or Doctor

Call your home health nurse or doctor if you:

• Have mild pain that does not go away
  
  

• Feel more tired than usual
  
  

• Have a low fever (99–100.3°F)
  
  

• Notice swelling in your hands or feet
  
  

• Feel lightheaded or dizzy
  
  

• See yellow in your eyes or skin
  
  

🚨 When to Go to the Emergency Room (ER)

Go to the ER right away if you:

• Have sudden or severe pain that doesn't get better
  
  

• Have trouble breathing or chest pain
  
  

• Have a fever of 101°F or higher
  
  

• Can’t stay awake or are confused
  
  

• Can’t move part of your body or have a seizure
  
  

• Notice signs of a stroke like slurred speech or a droopy face
  
  

💡 Ways to Feel Better and Stay Safe

• Drink lots of water every day (this helps keep your blood flowing)
  
  

• Rest when you are tired
  
  

• Avoid getting too hot or too cold
  
  

• Take your medicine just like the doctor says
  
  

• Eat healthy food to help your body stay strong
  
  

• Avoid people who are sick
  
  

• Get regular checkups
  
  

✅ Important Reminders

• Take your vitamins and medicine on time.
  
  

• Let your nurse or doctor know about any changes in how you feel.
  
  

• Get your vaccines (shots) to help prevent infections.
  
  

• Always ask questions if you don’t understand something.
  
  

© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911

PATIENT HOMEWORK/ASSESSMENT

📝 Sickle Cell Anemia – True or False Questions

1. True or False – Sickle cell anemia is something you can catch from another person.
   
   

2. True or False – In sickle cell anemia, some red blood cells are shaped like a “C” or sickle.
   
   

3. True or False – Normal red blood cells are round and can move easily through the body.
   
   

4. True or False – Sickle-shaped cells can get stuck in blood vessels and cause pain.
   
   

5. True or False – Sickle cell anemia is caused by a change in your genes.
   
   

6. True or False – You can get sickle cell anemia from eating the wrong foods.
   
   

7. True or False – Pain in the arms, legs, or chest can be a sign of sickle cell crisis.
   
   

8. True or False – Feeling tired and weak can be a symptom of sickle cell anemia.
   
   

9. True or False – Yellow eyes or skin is a common sign of sickle cell anemia.
   
   

10. True or False – You should go to the emergency room if you have a fever over 101°F.
    
    

11. True or False – If you have mild pain, you should first call your home health nurse.
    
    

12. True or False – Drinking water can help prevent a sickle cell crisis.
    
    

13. True or False – It is okay to skip your medicine if you feel fine.
    
    

14. True or False – Getting very cold or hot can trigger a sickle cell crisis.
    
    

15. True or False – You should rest when you feel tired.
    
    

16. True or False – A stroke is never a problem with sickle cell anemia.
    
    

17. True or False – Getting vaccines can help prevent infections in people with sickle cell.
    
    

18. True or False – Trouble breathing or chest pain means you should go to the ER right away.
    
    

19. True or False – Seeing your doctor regularly can help keep you out of the hospital.
    
    

20. True or False – Eating healthy food helps your body stay strong with sickle cell anemia.
    
    

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

When was your last pain crisis, and how did you manage it at home before seeking medical care?”

“Do you know what your most recent hemoglobin level was and what your doctor said about it?”

“Can you explain what steps you take each day to stay hydrated and prevent sickle cell crises?”

“Have you noticed any new or worsening symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or swelling, that we should report to your healthcare team right away?”

© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911

ANSWER KEY:  

1. False – Sickle cell anemia is not contagious. You are born with it; you can’t catch it from someone else.
   
   

2. True – In sickle cell anemia, some red blood cells look like a “C” or sickle instead of being round.
   
   

3. True – Normal red blood cells are round and soft, so they move easily through small blood vessels.
   
   

4. True – Sickle-shaped cells are stiff and can block blood flow, causing pain and other problems.
   
   

5. True – Sickle cell anemia is caused by a gene passed down from parents. It is inherited.
   
   

6. False – The disease is not caused by food. It’s genetic, not something caused by eating.
   
   

7. True – Pain in arms, legs, chest, or back can be a sign of a sickle cell pain crisis.
   
   

8. True – Feeling very tired or weak is a common symptom because the body doesn’t get enough oxygen.
   
   

9. True – Yellow skin or eyes (called jaundice) happens when sickle cells break down too fast.
   
   

10. True – A fever over 101°F could mean infection, which is dangerous with sickle cell and needs emergency care.
    
    

11. True – If the pain is mild, you can start by calling your home health nurse for help before going to the ER.
    
    

12. True – Drinking plenty of water helps keep your blood flowing smoothly and can prevent crises.
    
    

13. False – Even if you feel okay, you should still take your medicine as prescribed to stay healthy.
    
    

14. True – Being too cold or too hot can trigger a pain crisis, so it’s important to avoid extreme temperatures.
    
    

15. True – Getting rest helps your body stay strong and fight off problems from sickle cell.
    
    

16. False – Strokes can happen with sickle cell disease, especially in children and teens. It's a serious risk.
    
    

17. True – Vaccines protect against infections that can be dangerous for people with sickle cell anemia.
    
    

18. True – If you have chest pain or trouble breathing, it could be very serious. Go to the ER right away.
    
    

19. True – Seeing your doctor regularly helps prevent problems and keeps you healthier.
    
    

20. True – Eating healthy foods helps your whole body work better and can help prevent some sickle cell problems.