Anemia (Full power point) Flashcards
What are classic signs/symptoms of anemia?
Pallor, fatigue, dyspnea on exertion (these were in bold on her slides)
dizziness
These symptoms can vary in severity based on the individual.
What compensatory mechanisms are observed in anemia?
Tachycardia, palpitations, vasoconstriction, tachypnea, increased depth of breathing
These mechanisms help to maintain oxygen delivery to tissues.
What is the most common type of anemia?
Iron Deficiency Anemia
More common in females.
What is the classification of Iron Deficiency Anemia?
Microcytic-hypochromic
Characterized by small, pale red blood cells.
What are common causes of Iron Deficiency Anemia?
- Poor dietary intake
- Menses
- Pregnancy
- Ulcerative colitis
- Certain medications
- Parasitic infections
- Neoplasms
- Lead poisoning
Each of these factors can lead to decreased iron levels.
What are the most common causes of Anemia of Chronic Blood Loss?
GI tract
- Peptic ulcer
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Colon cancer
- Menorrhagia
Blood loss from GI tract
These conditions can lead to significant blood loss over time.
What is hematemesis?
Vomiting blood
Often seen in patients with esophageal varices.
What is melena?
Dark, tarry stool due to blood mixed in stool
Indicates upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
What is the importance of iron in the body?
Main nutritional element needed for hemoglobin synthesis
Iron is essential for oxygen transport in the blood.
What are the components of iron in the body?
- 60% in hemoglobin (RBC)
- 35% stored as ferritin in macrophages, liver, spleen, bone marrow
- Rest in myoglobin and bound to transferrin
Very little free iron exists as it is toxic to cells.
What does a low ferritin level indicate?
Iron Deficient Anemia
Ferritin reflects the body’s iron stores.
What are treatment options for Iron Deficiency Anemia?
- Oral iron preparations (ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate)
- Orange juice to improve absorption
- Intravenous iron (iron-dextran)
Treatment aims to replenish iron stores and improve hemoglobin levels.
What is the normal reticulocyte count?
Approximately 1% of total RBCs
Increased counts suggest accelerated destruction or loss of RBCs.
What is Polycythemia Vera?
An overabundance of RBCs with elevated hematocrit and hemoglobin levels
It can increase the risk of thromboembolisms.
What are the classifications of anemia based on morphology?
- Normocytic
- Microcytic
- Macrocytic
- Hypochromic
- Hyperchromic
- Anisocytic
- Poikilocytosis
These classifications help in diagnosing and determining the cause of anemia.
What is the most common oral form of iron used for treatment?
Ferrous sulfate
Contains 65 mg of elemental iron.
What are side effects of oral iron preparations?
- GI disturbances (nausea, heartburn, constipation)
- Black/dark green stools
- Teeth staining
Patients are advised to take iron with food to minimize GI upset.
What are common causes of Aplastic Anemia?
- Radiation exposure
- Chemotherapy
- Chemicals (e.g., benzene)
- Viral illnesses (e.g., hepatitis)
- Unknown causes in about 2/3 of cases
Aplastic anemia results from a failure of the bone marrow to produce adequate blood cells.
What characterizes Sickle Cell Anemia?
Inherited defect of Hemoglobin S leading to hemolytic anemia and chronic organ damage
It is more prevalent in African Americans and certain Mediterranean populations.
What is the role of Hydroxyurea in Sickle Cell Anemia?
Produces more HbF to displace HbS and decreases the inflammatory response
It helps prevent complications and crises associated with sickle cell disease.
What is the difference between acute blood loss and chronic blood loss?
Acute blood loss is rapid and can lead to severe consequences; chronic blood loss occurs gradually, often leading to iron deficiency
Both types can result in anemia but differ in onset and management.
What serious adverse effects can occur with a blood loss of 1,000 mL or more?
Hypovolemic shock and cerebral hypoperfusion
These conditions arise due to insufficient blood volume and oxygen delivery to the brain.
What are the causes of acute blood loss?
Hemorrhage caused by trauma, childbirth, rupture of a major blood vessel, or organ
Acute blood loss can lead to significant health complications.
What can cause severe gastrointestinal bleeding?
Disorders such as esophageal varices or penetrating peptic ulcer
