Anemia

Question 1

What is anaemia

Answer 1

Reduced number of red blood cells (RBCs)
Reduced amount of haemoglobin (Hgb)
Low haematocrit level in the blood

Question 2

Iron deficiency anaemia

Answer 2

results from insufficient iron, without iron your body can not make haemoglobin

Question 3

Haemolytic anaemia

Answer 3

red blood cells are destroyed faster than they are produced

Question 4

sickle cell anaemia

Answer 4

inherited disorder, alters shape of red blood cells. Cells can be sickle shaped, which can prevent the red blood cells moving easily through small vessels leading to obstruction of the capillaries

Question 5

Aplastic anaemia

Answer 5

the bone marrow is unable to produce red blood cells

Question 6

Pernicious anaemia

Answer 6

the body is unable to absorb Vitamin B12 which is necessary to production of haemoglobin.

Question 7

explain how RBCS are produced

Answer 7

takes place in the bone marrow under the control of the hormone erythropoietin (EPO).
Juxtaglomerular cells in the kidney produce erythropoietin in response to the decreased oxygen delivery (as in anaemia and hypoxia) or increased levels of some hormones.

Question 8

what is erythropoiesis

Answer 8

red blood cell production

Question 9

how does the body respond to anaemia

Answer 9

Increased respiratory rate
Increased heart rate
Increased RBC production

Question 10

what symptoms might we see in someone with anaemia? Why?

Answer 10

There are many because all body systems require oxygen
Skin may be pale, cold and possibly yellow
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Dizziness
Fainting
Rapid heart rate
Chest pain/angina/heart attack

Question 11

any dietary changes or supplements that might help?

Answer 11

eat iron rich fruits
Chicken
Liver
Pork
Beef
Eggs
Broccoli
Green Beans 
Potatoes – with skins
Spinach

Question 12

Haemoglobin

Answer 12

a protein found inside the red blood cells
carries iron: which in turn holds the oxygen, which is transported by the red blood cells from the lungs to the other tissues

Question 13

Haematocrite

Answer 13

% of red blood cells vs the other blood components

Question 14

Erythrocytes

Answer 14

red blood cell. ( biconcave shape without a nucleus)

Question 15

Platelets

Answer 15

found in large numbers in the blood and are important in clotting. LOW LEVELS OF PLATELETS ARE CALLED THROMBOCYTOPENIA. RASIED LEVELS OF PLATELETS ARE CALLED THROMBOCYTOSIS

Question 16

Thrombocytopenia

Answer 16

low levels of platelets. Seen in diseases of the bone marrow or may be caused by certain drugs

Question 17

Thrombocytosis

Answer 17

raised levels of platelets. Seen in many physiological and pathological conditions including infections.

Question 18

white blood cells

Answer 18

known as leucocytes. Play a role in defending the body from infection.

Question 19

5 types of white blood cells

Answer 19

neutrophils 
lymphocytes 
monocytes 
eosinophils 
basophils

Question 20

Nucleated red blood cells (NRBC)

Answer 20

(Peripheral blood of healthy adults is usually free of NRBC) Presence of NRBC is linked with serve disease and is associated with poor prognosis

Question 21

blood tests

Answer 21

ESR: erythrocyte sedimentation rate

D- dimmer: used in assessment of DVT