Diagnoses of various anemias

Question 1

The ______ count should be part of every initial evaluation of anemia

Answer 1

reticulocyte

Question 2

The MCV and RDW are a part of the ___ and should always be ordered

Answer 2

CBC

Question 3

A low reticulocyte count (less than 2%) is indicative of hypo- or hyper-proliferative anemia?

Answer 3

hypo-proliferative

Question 4

Lightheadedness upon standing is called _____ and points to ______

Answer 4

Orthostasis; hypovolemia

Question 5

Melena

Answer 5

Dark tar-like stools

Question 6

Melena is suggestive of

Answer 6

Upper GI bleed

Question 7

Rales indicate the presence of

Answer 7

heart failure

Question 8

Hematochezia

Answer 8

Bright red blood from the rectum

Question 9

Hematochezia is suggestive of

Answer 9

Lower GI bleed ot sometimes a brisk upper GI bleed

Question 10

In orthostasis there is an increase in the __ and a decrease in the __when patient stands up

Answer 10

HR; BP

Question 11

Stool guaiac

Answer 11

Indicates presence of occult blood in the stool by creating chemical reaction with hydrogen peroxide and absorbent paper to create blue coloration

Question 12

What are the indications for RBC transfusions?

Answer 12

Shock, angina, urgent surgery, anemia, inability to make blood (chemo, marrow failure syndromes)

Question 13

Why can alpha thalassemia trait not be detected with gel electrophoresis?

Answer 13

Because alpha thal does not change the proportions of HbA, HbA2 and F

Question 14

On gel electrophoresis, what band would be prominent for Beta thal trait?

Answer 14

HbA2

Question 15

Sickled cells may last less than a ___ in circulation

Answer 15

week

Question 16

Someone with alpha thal with 2 alpha globin genes deleted will have what lab findings?

Answer 16

Microcytic cells, Mildly anemic, normal RDW, normal gel electrophoresis

Question 17

Newborns with alpha thal with 2 alpha globin genes deleted will have what finding on gel electrophoresis

Answer 17

Hemoglobin Barts (gamma4)