Blood Loss Anemia

Question 1

Increased RBC Loss or Destruction Include Which Types of Anemia’s?

Answer 1

ACUTE OR CHRONIC BLOOD LOSS DUE TO:
1. Hemorrhage or Trauma
2. GI Bleed or Menstrual (Menorrhagia) 
INCREASED HEMOLYSIS:
1. Defective Hgb-- Sickle cell anemia

Question 2

c Blood Loss Anemia the Body Activates Compensatory Mechanisms, How does it work?

Answer 2

1. @ detection of Hypoxia the body tries to get back to homeostasis by compensation.
2. Circulating blood vol decreases–> leads to Cardiac Output drop

3. Comp Mech activates resulting in:
     Increased HR
     Increased BP
     Increased RR
     Peripheral vessels & vessels in Liver constrict which increases circulating volume

4. Fluid shift Interstitial–>Vascular: Diluting blood & reducing blood viscosity
5. Increased erythropoietin
6. If hemorrhage persists Comp Mech is less effective & this increases risk for Shock & Circulatory Failure.

Question 3

What do labs & S/S look like during Compensation Activation?

Answer 3

1. In early hemorrhage RBC’s are normal size & shape.
   RBC count, Hgb, & Hct may look normal.
2. During fluid shift in the C.M. activation RBC, Hgb, & Hct drop

Question 4

What are some Diagnostic tests we can perform for Acute Blood Loss Anemia?

Answer 4

BP
HR
RR
Urine Output
Hct & Hgb (Hct does not accurately indicate blood loss)

Question 5

How do we know where the pt is bleeding in Acute Blood Loss Anemia?

Answer 5

The pt is bleeding somewhere in the body & it is a medical emergency.
1. Cranial vault
2. Pericardium or pleural space
3. Musculoskeletal compartments.
   a. Dark/coffee-like=lower bleed
   b. Light=upper bleed
Bleeding into the GI tract is detected by:
1. Fecal occult blood in stool. 
   a. Dark=Upper GI
   b. Light=Lower GI
2. Melena p longer bleeding
3. **Loss of RBC Volume**

Question 6

As an RN what are my duties for a pt with Acute Blood Loss Anemia?

Answer 6

MONITOR:
1. Hematologic labs
2. Urine Output
3. Cardiovascular Indicators
4. Integument changes(Bleeding specifically)
5. Pain Description
TRANSFUSION:
1. Safely
2. Monitor fluid for overload & transfusion reaction