Anemias Flashcards
Why do kidney failure patients get anemia
due to the loss of the hormone erythropoietin
What does erythropoietin do?
Signals bone marrow to produce RBC and carries iron
Med given to kidney failure patients with anemia
epoetin alpha
How does iron get administered
May be given IM (z track)
What must be monitored to administer iron
nausea/abdominal discomfort/constipation/and or diarrhea
Severe anemia signs and symptoms
Koilonchias (soft spoon shaped fingernails), Glossitis (beefy red tongue)
Complications of severe anemia
No oxygen to the heart and no thermoregulation
Anemia diet
High in red meat, green leafy vegtables (spinich, beets, beans and cereals, and citrus to help retain the iron (especially iron deficiency- grapefruit, orange juice)
What is intrinsic factor
controls the function of CNS- you will not make new DNA or RBCs)
Signs and symptoms of pernicious anemia
Vitiligo, premature graying of the hair, and glossitis
Risk factors for pernicious anemia
chronic alcohol use, liver issues, chrons disease, or gastrecomies, any medications that decrease gastric acid (long term use of PPI and H2 blockers)
s/s of B12 deficiency
Peripheral neuropathy, altered mental status, depression, visual disturbances, atrophy in the eyes, orthostatic hypotension
Signs and symptoms of Folic acid deficiency
tachypnea (decreased O2 sat) and confusion
What is decreased in folic acid deficiency
of platelets which increases the risk of bleeding
symptoms of folic acid deficiency will continue unless you replace
B12
Patients with folic acid deficiencies may experience
mood changes, memory difficulties, and weakness
s/s of sicke cell crisis
Fatigue, pallor, SOB, vasoocclusion of blood vessels resulting in pain or swelling
where will patients feel pain with sickle cell crisis
Pain will occur in- joints, bones, chest, abdomen
What may be present with sickle cell crisis
Fever
Risk factors for Sickle cell crisis
severe cold tempuratures, high altitude, fever, dehydration
Treatment for sickle cell crisis
O2 via NC 2-3L fluid resuscitation, give morphine
What can occur in sickle cell anemia that may cause puberty to be delayed
ischemia of organs
Prevention for sickle cell crisis
Get immunizations (vaccines) like the flu, Good dental hygiene, Get enough oxygen, drink fluids, avoid getting over-heated or getting very cold, avoid getting infections
aplastic anemia
bone marrow depression
What does aplastic anemia result in
decreased production of RBC/WBC/platelets
Why might aplstic anemia occur
Can occur due to hepatitis and HPV or other infectious agents or chemicals
Treat aplastic anemia with
chemo and radiation
Meds for aplastic anemia
epogen which induces bone marrow production
Why does AML occur
Linked to exposure to radiation or benzene and causes possible alterations in bone marrow function
What is AML more prevalent in
white males over the age of 60 and history of smoking
S/S of lymphoma
Painless swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, and groin; low grade fevers for no apparent reason; drenching night sweats; unexplained weight loss of more than 10% in less than 6 months; and fatigue
S/S of lymphoma with alc
alcohol induced pain at site of lymph nodes
What may be on the skin due to scratching from lymphoma
excoriations
If feeling SOB or fullness with lymphoma
this may mean enlarging lymph nodes spread to the spleen or liver or compress the vena cava or spine
Multiple myeloma and risk factors
Incurable B cell malignancy-men, age 62 and over
Lab values for Multiple myeloma
Hypercalcemia, renal insufficiency (serum creatinine higher), anemia (hemoglobin low), osteopenia
