A nurse is caring for a patient with sickle cell anemia and emphasizes foot and leg care. Which statement reflects a key concern?

• A. Stasis ulcers are a constant threat.
• B. Bleeding may occur on the soles of the feet.
• C. Edema of the feet increases activity intolerance.
• D. Toenails must be kept short to avoid ingrown nails.

Answer: (A)

In sickle cell disease, the legs and feet are especially vulnerable to poor blood flow from venous stasis and repeated microvascular occlusion. This creates a high risk of chronic, non-healing leg ulcers, often around the ankles, making foot and leg care focused on preventing these ulcers. That’s why the statement that stasis ulcers are a constant threat best reflects the key concern in this scenario. Other issues like occasional bleeding on the soles, edema-related limitations, or nail problems can occur, but they don’t capture the central, disease-specific risk as clearly as the potential for leg ulcers due to venous stasis and ischemia.