Anemia

Question 1

A reticulocyte count is important because it is a measure of?

Answer 1

The bone marrows ability to make red blood cells.

Question 2

What is a normal reticulocyte count?

Answer 2

40-135,000 / md (absolute numbers)

Question 3

We know that the absolute value of a reticulocyte count is?

Answer 3

More important than the percentages

Question 4

What does an increase in reticulocyte count indicate?

Answer 4

Hemolytic anemia or blood loss anemia

Question 5

A decrease in reticulocyte count can indicate?

Answer 5

Iron deficiency, aplastic anemia, MDS, pure red cell aplasia and bone marrow suppression

Question 6

What are the three main causes of anemia?

Answer 6

Blood loss, lack or red blood cell production and high rates or red blood cell destruction

Question 7

Anemia grading:

Answer 7

Life threatening- <6.5
Serious/ severe- 6.5-8
Moderate- 8.0-9.5
Mild- 9.5-11
Normal- >11

Question 8

How is anemia diagnosed?

Answer 8

Anemia is diagnosed by a reduction in 1 RBC measurement (Hgb, Hct, or RBC count)

Question 9

When is anemia normal?

Answer 9

NEVER

Question 10

Several ways to describe hemoglobin include?

Answer 10

• iron-rich protein in RBC that carries O2
• hemoglobin is the main component of RBC
• MALE 14-18
• FEMALE 12-16

Question 11

Hematocrit is best described as?

Answer 11

• % of RBC in whole blood- typically 3X Hgb 1:3 ratio

- High Hct could indicate dehydration or anemia