What procedure should not be performed on a child diagnosed with sickle cell disease?

Hyperventilation is a procedure that involves rapidly breathing to increase oxygen supply and lower carbon dioxide levels, which can lead to a range of physiological effects. For children diagnosed with sickle cell disease, hyperventilation can pose significant risks. The rapid change in blood gases during hyperventilation can lead to a decrease in blood flow due to vasoconstriction, potentially triggering a sickle cell crisis. This crisis can cause severe pain, organ damage, and other serious complications due to the sickling of red blood cells and subsequent occlusion of blood vessels.

In contrast, an EEG, sleep study, and pharmacological test are generally considered safe procedures for children with sickle cell disease when performed under appropriate medical supervision. EEGs monitor brain activity and do not involve significant physiological change that might precipitate a crisis. Sleep studies examine sleep patterns and are also non-invasive. Pharmacological tests are carefully managed to avoid inducing complications.

Therefore, hyperventilation is the procedure that should be avoided in children with sickle cell disease due to the potential for instigating a painful and dangerous crisis.