Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Which finding in a sickle cell anemia patient can lead to a medical emergency if untreated?

1. Fatigue and shortness of breath

2. Painful penile erection

3. Abdominal pain

4. Frequent infections

The correct answer is: Painful penile erection

In sickle cell anemia, a painful penile erection, known as priapism, can lead to a medical emergency if untreated. Priapism occurs due to the blockage of blood flow in the penile blood vessels, stemming from the sickling of red blood cells. If this condition persists for an extended period, it can result in tissue damage, impotence, and severe pain. Unless resolved quickly, priapism is not just a painful condition but a critical issue that requires immediate medical intervention to prevent long-term complications. Fatigue and shortness of breath often relate to anemia and may indicate complications but can usually be managed with supportive care. Abdominal pain can occur due to various reasons in sickle cell patients, including vaso-occlusive crises or splenic sequestration, and while concerning, it may not have the same level of acute urgency as priapism. Frequent infections are a known complication of sickle cell disease due to splenic dysfunction but are typically managed with prophylactic antibiotics and vaccinations, meaning they do not present an immediate, life-threatening emergency like priapism does.