What Is the Management for This Patient With Sickle Cell Anemia?

Welcome to the next episode of The Reveal, where we take you inside the mind of a test taker to deconstruct and connect the dots of a board-style question so you can become a better student, transform how you learn, and excel not only on high-stakes exams but also in your general medical knowledge. Let’s get started.

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An 8-year-old African American girl with a history of sickle cell anemia presents with diffuse pain consistent with an acute sickle cell pain crisis. While in the emergency department, she develops acute onset headache, right-sided facial droop, and right arm weakness. A CT scan confirms the diagnosis. Which of the following is the next best step in management?

A) Alteplase

B) Exchange transfusion

C) MRI brain

D) Tranexamic acid

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