ANEMIA FALCIFORME: ASSISTÊNCIA REALIZADA NA PEDIATRIA DE UM HOSPITAL DO SERTÃO DE PERNAMBUCO

Sickle cell anemia is a genetic and hereditary blood disease caused by an abnormality of the hemoglobin in red blood cells. The aim of this study was to understand the care provided to a child with sickle cell anemia in a hospital unit in the hinterlands of Pernambuco. This is an exploratory, descriptive, cross-sectional, prospective study with a quantitative-qualitative approach. It was conducted with seven nurses working in the Pediatric Clinic of HOSPAM. The interviewees were between 30 and 49 years old, all were female (100%), 57.12% declared themselves as white, 71.40% were married, and all had completed postgraduate studies (100%). Regarding the length of professional experience, it was observed that the majority had worked for between 1 and 5 years. They defined and cited the following symptoms of sickle cell anemia as a hereditary red blood cell disease that leads to anemia and pain crises; dyspnea, fatigue, malaise; sickleshaped red blood cells; hematologic disease. Regarding treatment and nursing care, they mentioned symptomatic treatment, blood transfusion, oxygen therapy, analgesia, hydration, vitamins, dressings when there is a lesion, and control of SSVV. Multidisciplinary monitoring was mentioned as an action between professionals and parents or caregivers. It is expected that this disease will be more widely publicized and that professionals will become better trained in its treatment to provide quality care.