Medical Emergencies · single question
Which is most detrimental during a sickle cell crisis?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Clumping/occlusion of blood vessels
- A. INCORRECT. Hemolysis occurs, but vaso-occlusion drives the acute crisis.
- B. INCORRECT. Sickle cells have a shortened, not increased, lifespan.
- C. CORRECT. Sickled cells clump and occlude vessels, causing painful ischemic vaso-occlusive crises and organ damage.
- D. INCORRECT. Crises involve increased polymerization of deoxygenated HbS, not decreased.
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