Which term best describes sickle cell disease?

A. Sickle cell disease is classified as an autosomal recessive disorder. This means that a child must inherit two copies of the mutated gene (one from each parent) to express the disease. Individuals with one normal and one mutated gene are carriers (sickle cell trait) but do not exhibit symptoms.
B. X-linked genetic disorders are caused by mutations on the X chromosome and typically affect males more severely than females, as males have only one X chromosome. Sickle cell disease is not located on the X chromosome; therefore, it is not classified as X-linked.
C. In an autosomal dominant disorder, only one copy of the mutated gene is needed for an individual to express the disease. Sickle cell disease does not follow this inheritance pattern; it requires two copies of the mutated gene, which makes this classification inaccurate.
D. While sickle cell disease is indeed an inherited disorder, this term is broad and could apply to many genetic conditions. It describes the general nature of the disease but does not provide the specificity that "autosomal recessive disorder" does.

A. This task is appropriate for UAP, as it involves basic hygiene care. UAP can assist with routine oral care
B. Assisting with repositioning is a basic care activity that UAP can perform. This helps prevent pressure ulcers and maintains client comfort, and it does not require advanced clinical skills.
C. Administering IV fluids or medications requires specialized training and knowledge of nursing assessments, potential complications, and monitoring. This task should only be performed by a licensed nurse, not by UAP.
D. UAP can document basic measurements such as urine output. This is a straightforward task that does not require clinical judgment, but the UAP should understand how to accurately measure and record this information.
E. While UAP can observe and report general changes, monitoring for clinical indications of dehydration requires nursing assessment skills and judgment. This task should be performed by an RN, as it involves interpreting signs and symptoms.
F. UAP can weigh clients, but the assessment of weight trends requires clinical judgment and interpretation of data. The RN should evaluate and interpret this information to determine its significance in the client's care.