Anemia Flashcards
1
Q
What is anemia?
A
- A decrease in the number, volume, and/or hemoglobin content of RBCs.
2
Q
What is relative anemia?
A
When the total red cell mass is normal but the amount of plasma fluid is increased
3
Q
What is absolute anemia?
A
When there is a true decrease in the red cell mass
4
Q
What are the clinical signs of anemia?
A
- pale mucous membranes
- reduced exercise tolerance
- tachycardia
- increased respiration with exertional dyspnea
- bleeding from nose and mouth
5
Q
What are the three common methods for classifying anemia?
A
- Erythrocyte morphology
- Degree of bone marrow response (regenerative vs non-regenerative)
- Cause
6
Q
How long is erythrocyte production before the earliest significant number of new cells is seen?
A
3-5 days, peak response is on the 5th to 6th day
7
Q
In what type of regenerative anemia will plasma be icteric (dark yellow to orange)?
A
Hemolytic anemia
