Anemia Flashcards
What is Anemia
A deficiency in the
Number of erythrocytes (RBCs)
Quantity of hemoglobin
Volume of packed RBCs (hematocrit)
Not a specific disease
Manifestation of a pathologic process
Causes of Anemia
RBC function
Transport oxygen (O2) from lungs to systemic tissues Carry carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs
How is Anemia Classified by
laboratory review of
Complete blood count (CBC)
Reticulocyte count
Peripheral blood smear
Anemia Clinical Manifestations
Caused by the body’s response to tissue hypoxia
Manifestations vary based on rate of development, severity of anemia, presence of co-existing disease.
Hemoglobin (Hgb) levels are used to determine the severity of anemia.
Anemia Integumentary Manifestations
Pallor-Pale
Jaundice
Pruritus
Causes of Pallor
↓ Hemoglobin
↓ Blood flow to the skin
Causes of Jaundice
↑ Concentration of serum bilirubin
Causes of Pruritus
↑ Serum and skin bile salt concentrations
Anemia Cardiopulmonary Manifestations
Result from additional attempts by heart and lungs to provide adequate O2 to the tissues
Cardiac output maintained by increasing the heart rate and stroke volume
Anemia Nursing Assessment Subjective Data
Important health information
Past health history
Medications
Surgery or other treatments
Dietary history
Functional health patterns
Anemia Nursing Assessment Objective Data assessment
General
Integumentary
Respiratory
Cardiovascular
Gastrointestinal-bleed
Neurologic-AMS
Diagnostic findings
Anemia Nursing Diagnoses
Fatigue-Not enough oxygen
Imbalanced nutrition: Less than body requirements
Ineffective self-health management
Assume normal activities of daily living
Maintain adequate nutrition
Develop no complications related to anemia
Anemia Decreased Erythrocyte Production
Erythropoietin (EPO) is a glycoprotein primarily produced in the kidneys (10% in the liver).- Stimulates production of RBC’s in the bonemarrow
Iron-Deficiency Anemia
One of the most common chronic hematologic disorders
Iron is present in all RBCs as heme in hemoglobin and in a stored form.
Heme accounts for two-thirds of the body’s iron.
Iron-Deficiency Anemia Etiology
Inadequate dietary intake
5% to 10% of ingested iron is absorbed.
Malabsorption
Blood loss
2 mL whole blood contain 1 mg iron.
Major cause of iron deficiency in adults
Chronic blood loss most commonly through GI and GU systems
Hemodialysis
Pregnancy contributes to this condition.Why?
black stool
How much blood does it take to make stool black?
50-75 mL blood loss
Iron-Deficiency Anemia Clinical Manifestations
General manifestations of anemia
Pallor is the most common finding.
Glossitis is the second most common.
Cheilitis
What is glossitis
Inflammation of the tongue- Low level of iron=low myoglobin. Important for muscle.
What is Cheilitis
Inflammation of the lips
Iron-Deficiency Anemia Diagnostic Studies
Laboratory findings
Hgb, Hct, MCV, MCH, MCHC, reticulocytes, serum iron, TIBC, bilirubin, platelets
Stool guaiac test
Endoscopy
Colonoscopy
Bone marrow biopsy
Iron-Deficiency Anemia Collaborative Care
Goal is to treat the underlying disease causing reduced intake or absorption of iron.
Efforts are aimed at replacing iron.
Nutritional therapy
How to do replace iron
Nutritional therapy
Oral or occasional parenteral iron supplements
Transfusion of packed RBCs-Hg below 7 or symptomatic, sickle cell
Iron rich foods: Leafy/whole greans, apples, lettuce, eggs, also look in book
Iron-Deficiency Anemia Drug Therapy Oral Iron
Ferrous Sulfate- Give 1 hour before meals because it absorbs better
Inexpensive
Convenient
Factors to consider
Enteric-coated or sustained-release capsules are counterproductive. Not absorbed well. Absorbed best in the jejunum
Daily dose is 150 to 200 mg.
Oral Iron Factors to be considered
Best absorbed as ferrous sulfate in an acidic environment
Liquid iron should be diluted and ingested through a straw. Stains your teeth
Side effects
Heartburn, constipation-Need stool softeners or laxatives, diarrhea, black stools-expected side effect
Iron-Deficiency Anemia Drug Therapy Parenteral iron
Indicated for malabsorption, oral iron intolerance, need for iron beyond normal limits, poor patient compliance
Can be given IM or IV
IM may stain skin.
Iron-Deficiency Anemia Nursing & Collaborative Management At-risk groups
Premenopausal women
Pregnant women
Persons from low socioeconomic backgrounds
Older adults
Individuals experiencing blood loss
Iron-Deficiency Anemia Nursing & Collaborative Management Teaching
Diet teaching
Supplemental iron
Discuss diagnostic studies.
Emphasize compliance.
Iron therapy for 2 to 3 months after hemoglobin levels return to normal
What is Thalassemia
A group of diseases involving inadequate production of normal hemoglobin
Therefore decreased erythrocyte production
Thalassemia Etiology
Common in ethnic groups near the Mediterranean Sea and in equatorial or near-equatorial regions of Asia, Middle East, and Africa
Problem with globulin protein
Abnormal Hgb synthesis
Hemolysis also occurs.
One thalassemic gene
Thalassemia minor-Usually requires no treatment. Body adapts
Two thalassemic genes
Thalassemia major
Thalassemia Clinical Manifestations Thalassemia minor
Asymptomatic frequently
Moderate anemia
Microcytosis
Hypochromia
Body adapts to reduction of Hgb – thus no treatment is indicated.
Thalassemia Clinical Manifestations Thalassemia major
Life-threatening
Physical & mental growth often retarded
Pale & jaundiced
Splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, & cardiomyopathy
Symptoms develop in childhood.
As the bone marrow responds to the deficit of O2-carrying capacity of the blood, RBC production is stimulated, & marrow becomes packed with immature erythroid precursors that die.
Chronic bone marrow hyperplasia
Hepatitis C
Thalassemia Collaborative Care
No specific drug or diet is effective in treating thalassemia.
Thalassemia major
Blood transfusions or exchange transfusions
Spelenectomy