Anemia Flashcards
1
Q
Anemia - Etiology
A
- Reduction of RBC, Hgb, and/or Hct
- A clinical sign; not a specific disease
- Classifications:
> blood loss
> hemolytic: lysis of blood cells
> impaired RBC production
2
Q
Iron-Deficiency Anemia (microcytic) - Causes
A
- Small blood cell anemia
-
Blood loss
> GI bleeds, heavy periods, child birth, chronic nosebleeds, from kidneys or bladder -
Poor nutrition
> rich in iron: meat, poultry, seafood, beans, legumes, dark leafy greens, dried fruit, seeds, nuts, eggs, whole grains
3
Q
Hemolytic Anemia - Causes
A
- The breakdown of RBCs
-
Immune response
> body destroys own RBCs -
Mechanical Trauma
> something that is broken/open the blood cells -
Sickle Cell
> affects the carring capacity of oxygen in RBCs
4
Q
Immune Mechanism Hemolytic Anemia Triggers
A
-
Infections
> Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, HIV, hepatitis, bacterial infections -
Medications
> penicillin, methyldopa (Aldomet), quinine (Qualaqin), sulfonamides -
Blood transfusions
> due to differing blood types -
Cancers
> chronic lymphocytic leukemia, non-Hogdkin’s -
Autoimmune Disorders
> lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis - Pregnancy
5
Q
Megaloblastic (macrocytic) - Causes
A
-
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) deficiency
> lacking in diet -
Pernicious anemia
> lack of intrinsic factor for absorbing B12 -
Folic Acid deficiency
> folate is B vit tht helps produce RBCs, a lack of folate = lack of oxygen
6
Q
Aplastic Anemia - Causes
A
- Bone marrow depression:
- Autoimmune disorders
- Genetics
- Toxic substances
- Chemo/radiation
- Viral infections
- Pregnancy
7
Q
Chronic Disease Anemias
A
-
Chronic Renal Failure
> kidneys can no longer produce RBC; Erythropoietin
> stops production of RBCs leading to anemia
8
Q
Symptoms of Anemia
cns, bld vessels, heart
severe anemia
A
-
Central
> fatigue, dizziness, fainting
> due to lack of oxygen carrying capacity -
Blood Vessels
> low BP
> hypotension, hypovolemia -
Heart
> palpatations
> rapid HR
> chest pain, angina, heart attack ; low O2 carrying capacity
9
Q
Symptoms of Anemia
eyes, skin, resp
A
-
Eyes
> yellowing; best sign of anemia in POC -
Skin
> paleness
> coldness
> yellowing -
Respiratory
> SOB
10
Q
Symptoms of Anemia
muscular, intestinal
A
-
Muscular
> weakness -
Intestinal
> changed stool color
11
Q
Anemia - Diagnostics Review
A
-
Complete blood count w/ differential & RBC indices
> tells if large or small blood cells -
Reticulocyte Count
> how fast RBCs are made by bone marrow -
Iron Studies
> Ferritin & total iron binding capacity -
Coomb’s Test
> test for hemolytic anemia; antibodies on the surface of RBC -
Bone Marrow Aspiration
> anything w/in or stimulation of bone marrow tht could be preventing RBC production
12
Q
Anemia - Labs: Red Blood Cells (RBC)
A
- F: 4.2-5.4
- M: 4.7-6.1
-
Significance
> Dcrd: anemia or bleeding
> Incrd: severely dehydrated or PV
13
Q
Anemia - Labs: Hemoglobin (Hgb)
A
- F: 12-16 g/dL
- M: 14-18 g/dL
-
Significance
> Dcrd: anemia, bleeding, or fluid overload
> Incrd: severely dehydrated; PV
14
Q
Anemia - Labs: Hematocrit (Hct)
A
- % of packed RBCs in total blood vol, use to determine ig Hgb is high or low due to hydration status
- F: 37-47%
- M: 42-52%
-
Significance
> Dcrd: anemia, bleeding, or fluid overload
> Incrd: severely dehydrated; PV
15
Q
RBC Indices
A
Relate measurements of RBC, Hct & Hgb; provides info on types of anemia
