Anemia: General Flashcards

1
Q

What is Anemia?

A
A deficiency in the number of 
o Erythrocytes (RBCs) 
o Hemoglobin (\<9 issue) 
o Volume of packed RBCs (HCT)
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2
Q

MCV refers to a RBCs…
• Size

A

MCH refers to a RBCs…
• Color (due to Hgb)

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3
Q

A normocytic, normochromic RBC has MCV and MCH values of…

A
  • MCV: 80-100
  • MCH: 26-34
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4
Q

A microcytic, hypochromic RBC has MCV and MCH values of…

A
  • MCV: <80
  • MCH: <27
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5
Q

A macrocytic, normochromic RBC has MCV and MCH values of…

A
  • MCH: >100
  • MCH: >34
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6
Q

Normocytic, normochromic RBCs may be associated w/ what causes/types of anemia?

A
  • Acute blood loss
  • Hemolysis
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Aplastic anemia
  • Sickle cell anemia
  • Pregnancy
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7
Q

Microcytic, hypochromic RBCs may be associated w/ what causes/types of anemia?

A
  • Iron deficiency anemia
  • Thalassemia
  • Lead poisoning
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8
Q

Macrocytic, normochromic RBCs may be associated w/ what causes/types of anemia?

A
  • Cobalamin (Vit B12) deficiency
  • Liver disease (alcohol abuse)
  • Post splenectomy
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9
Q

What are the 3 states of anemia?

A
  • Mild
  • Moderate
  • Severe
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10
Q

What s/s may be seen with mild anemia?

A

• Asymptomatic or slight s/s of low energy, circulation, oxygenation

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11
Q

What s/s may be seen with moderate anemia?

A
  • Cardiopulmonary symptoms are increased, and the patient may experience them while resting, as well as with activity.
  • Associated low energy/o2 s/s will be elevated as well
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12
Q

What s/s may be seen with severe anemia?

A
  • Fatigue, circulation, and oxygenation clinical manifestations will be more intense and involve multiple body systems
  • Immunity system reaction will be decreased as well
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13
Q

What are for common s/s of substantial anemia progression?

A
  • Skin pallor
  • Jaundice
  • Pruritus
  • Cardiopulmonary manifestations
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14
Q

What may skin pallor indicate in regard to anemia?

A
  • ↓ Hgb
  • ↓ blood flow to skin
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15
Q

What may jaundice indicate in regard to anemia?

A
  • Concentration of serum bilirubin (liver issues)
  • Helps reflect integumentary changes for dark skinned peeps
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16
Q

What may pruritis indicate in regard to anemia?

A

• ↑ serum and skin bile salt concentrations

17
Q

All clinical symptoms of anemia are due to

A

• Tissue hypoxia

18
Q

Anemic hypoxia to the heart can lead to

A
  • Heart failure, MI
  • Cardiomegaly
  • Pulmonary and systemic congestion
  • Ascites
  • Peripheral edema
19
Q

Why can anemia be difficult to dx w/ older patients?

A

• Because many of the s/s are commonly associated w/ the ageing process

20
Q

What are the general s/s of anemia that are shared w/ the ageing process?

A
  • Pallor
  • Confusion
  • Ataxia
  • Fatigue
  • Worsening angina, heart failure
21
Q

When obtaining a H&H w/ possible anemia, what are some key points to ask?

A
  • Recent blood loss
  • Any underlying disease problems involving kidney, liver, endocrine system , Crohn’s disease
  • Smoking, exposure to toxins
  • Recent travel suggesting exposure to infection
  • Angina history
22
Q

What elimination patterns should be assessed w/ suspected anemia?

A
  • Hematuria
  • Diarrhea
  • Tarry stools
23
Q

What hx of medication use should be inquired about for a pt suspected of anemia?

A

• Iron supplements
• Vitamins
• Aspirin
• Anticoagulants
• Antiseizures
o Phenobarbitol
o Phenytoin

24
Q

What are the nursing management goals when treating a patient w/ anemia?

A
  • Normal ADL function
  • Maintain nutrition
  • Develop no complications due to anemia
25
Q

What are some ways that anemia may be corrected?

A
  • Blood transfusion (or blood products)/volume replacement
  • Drug therapy: erythropoietin and vitamin supplements
  • Dietary and lifestyle changes
26
Q

What is MCHC in relation to RBCs?

A

• Hemoglobin concentration per RBC

27
Q

Type of anemia: MCV less than lower limit of normal

A

• microcytic anemia

28
Q

Type of anemia: MCV within normal range

A

• normocytic anemia

29
Q

Type of anemia: MCV greater than upper limit of normal

A

• macrocytic anemia

30
Q

Type of anemia: MCH less than lower limit of normal

A

• hypochromic anemia

31
Q

Type of anemia: MCH within normal range

A

• normochromic anemia

32
Q

Type of anemia: MCH greater than upper limit of normal

A

• hyperchromic anemia

33
Q

What labs may be run for anemia dx?

A
  • Hb/HCT
  • MCV, MCH, MCHC
  • Reticulocytes
  • Serum iron
  • Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC)
  • Bilirubin
  • Platelets
34
Q

What other tests (not labs) may be run for anemia dx?

A
  • Guaiac test
  • Endoscopy
  • Colonoscopy
  • Bone marrow biopsy