Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse (CPHON) Practice Exam 2025 - Free CPHON Practice Questions and Study Guide

Hemoglobin S (Hb S) is primarily recognized in individuals with sickle cell disease and its variants, and its prevalence can be associated with various clinical circumstances. While the options might imply varying levels of severity associated with Hb S, the designation of "mild, but may be severe" accurately reflects the nature of sickle cell trait and sickle cell disease presentations.

Individuals with the carrier state, often referred to as having sickle cell trait, possess one normal hemoglobin gene (Hb A) and one sickle cell gene (Hb S). This results in the production of both types of hemoglobin, leading to generally mild or no symptoms, although they may experience complications under extreme conditions. However, the term "mild, but may be severe" captures the variability where some carriers can exhibit milder forms of related conditions, while in rare instances may experience complications.

The other options, such as "severe," "moderate," and "carrier state," inaccurately narrow the condition associated with Hb S to specific manifestations without acknowledging the broader spectrum of presentations. This broad spectrum encompasses conditions where Hb S can lead to a mild clinical picture while also having the potential to cause severe complications under certain circumstances, hence justifying the classification of "m