Acute chest syndrome in sickle cell disease.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an autosomal recessive disorder altering the shape of red blood cells, causing harmful obstructions in blood vessels, therefore altering normal blood flow. SCD can escalate quickly into acute chest syndrome (ACS), a life-threatening complication that requires immediate care. This article discusses the pathophysiology, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of ACS, as well as nursing care and patient education.