Andrew is an 18-month-old boy who has been admitted in a sickle cell crisis. His mother Jessica is 4 months pregnant with the family’s second child. Tyrone, Andrew’s father, tells you that they don’t know much about sickle cell anemia, but they have heard their second child may also have the disease.
a. What information would you share about sickle cell disease?
b. What would you teach this family about the genetic factors related to sickle cell anemia?
c. What is the likelihood that their second child will also have the disease?
d. What organizations would you refer this family to?