Sickle cell RBCs are also known as:

Appeared in: DSSSB 6 September 2024

Explanation

The medical term for a sickle-shaped red blood cell (RBC) is a drepanocyte.
The prefix 'drepano-' is derived from the Greek word 'drepanon,' which means sickle.
This characteristic shape is caused by the polymerization of abnormal Hemoglobin S (HbS) in low-oxygen environments, a hallmark of sickle cell disease.
These rigid, sickle-shaped cells are fragile, leading to hemolytic anemia, and can block blood flow in small vessels, causing vaso-occlusive crises.

Option B: Codocytes, also known as target cells, have a distinctive 'bulls-eye' appearance. This is different from the crescent shape of sickle cells.
Option C: Spherocytes are small, spherical red blood cells that lack the normal biconcave shape and central pallor. They are not sickle-shaped.
Option D: Acanthocytes, or spur cells, are red blood cells with multiple, irregular, thorn-like projections. This morphology is distinct from the smooth crescent shape of a sickle cell.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Nomenclature of abnormal red blood cell morphologies as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Identifying abnormal RBC morphologies on a peripheral blood smear is a fundamental diagnostic step in hematology. It provides crucial clues to the underlying pathology.
For a patient with known sickle cell disease (presenting with drepanocytes), nursing priorities include pain management, hydration, oxygenation, and monitoring for complications of vaso-occlusion like acute chest syndrome or stroke.
What if? If a patient's blood smear showed a mix of target cells (codocytes) and sickle cells (drepanocytes), it might suggest a compound heterozygous condition like HbSC disease, which has a different clinical course and severity than standard sickle cell anemia (HbSS).

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of medical terminology related to hematology.
Identify the key term in the question stem: 'Sickle cell RBCs'.
The question asks for the alternative name for these cells.
Recall or deduce the specific medical term for a sickle-shaped cell from your studies.
Evaluate the options: 'Drepanocyte' is the correct medical term. The other options refer to different, distinct RBC abnormalities (Codocyte = target cell, Spherocyte = sphere cell, Acanthocyte = spur cell).

Concept Tested & Keywords

Q0H8ljdW80GZsnVjpPfylx

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 488-490

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 2 p. 758-760

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