A nurse is providing care to an infant newly diagnosed with sickle cell anemia. The infant's parents ask the nurse to describe what sickled red blood cells are and how they affect blood flow. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the discussion? (Select All that Apply.)

A. Sickled red blood cells are flexible, making it easier for these cells to travel through small vessels is incorrect. Sickled red blood cells are rigid and inflexible, which makes it difficult for them to pass through small blood vessels, contributing to blockages and reduced oxygen delivery. B. Sickled red blood cells are c-shaped and tend to stick together more easily is correct. Sickled red blood cells have an abnormal, crescent or "C" shape, and they stick together, which can cause clumping and block blood flow in small vessels, leading to pain and organ damage. C. Sickled red blood cells have a long-life span. Therefore, they circulate in the blood longer than healthy cells is incorrect. Sickled red blood cells have a shortened life span (about 10-20 days) compared to normal red blood cells, which typically last 120 days, leading to a higher rate of cell destruction and anemia. D. Sickled red blood cells are rigid, making it difficult for the cells to travel through smaller vessels is correct. The rigidity of sickled cells prevents them from easily moving through small blood vessels, causing occlusions, pain, and organ damage. E. Sickled red blood cells have a short life span which decreases the number of red blood cells circulating in the blood is correct. Due to their short life span, sickled cells are destroyed more quickly, leading to anemia and reduced oxygen-carrying capacity in the blood.