Assignment task:
L.B., a 17-year-old African American male, tells his parents, "my arms and legs hurt a lot more than usual today. The ibuprofen has stopped working, and I need something stronger. I may have overdone it at the gym." At 11 months of age, L.B. was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia. Since then, he has experienced chronic low-grade pain in his back and extremities that he has managed with ibuprofen and rests, although he tries to get as much regular exercise as possible. He has experienced approximately 3 episodes of acute pain each year since then. He was accepted to his dream university and plans to live on campus in the dorms.
- Briefly explain the pathophysiological change that occurs in patients who have sickle cell anemia.
- What is the likely cause of this patient's current pain crisis?
- Discuss one developmental factor that affects L.B.'s adaptation to his altered hematological function.