General practice

Question 1

General definition of anemia

Answer 1

Decrease in the quantity of circulating RBCs, represented by a reduction in Hemoglobin concentration (Hb), hematocrit (Hct) or RBC count

Question 2

Generalised causes of anemia

Answer 2

Inadequate RBC production
Excessive RBC destruction
Blood loss

Question 3

Clinical features of anemia

Answer 3

Fatigue
Dyspnea
Conjunctival pallor
Tachycardia
Pica (craving for dirt or ice)

Question 4

Diagnostic criteria for anemia

Answer 4

Hb < 13g/dL in males
Hb < 12g/dL in females

Question 5

Mechanism and MCV of microcytic anemia

Answer 5

Insufficient haemoglobin production
<80 MCV (fL)

Question 6

Mechanism and MCV of normocytic anemia

Answer 6

Decreased blood volume and/or decreased erythropoiesis
MCV 80-100

Question 7

Mechanism and MCV of macroocytic anemia

Answer 7

Insufficient nucleus maturation relative to cytoplasm expansion, due to:
- Defective DNA synthesis
- Defective DNA repair
MCV >100

Question 8

Causes of microcytic anemia

Answer 8

IRON LAST

IRON deficiency
Lead poisioning
Anemia of chronic disease
Sideroblastic anemia
Thalassemia

Question 9

Causes of normocytic anemia

Answer 9

Hemolytic anemia
Sickle cell anemia
Infections
Blood loss
Aplastic anemia
Anemia of chronic kidney disease
Iron deficiency anemia (in early phase)
Anemia of chronic disease

Question 10

Causes of macrocytic anemia

Answer 10

Megaloblastic anemia:
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Folate deficiency
Medications
Fanconi anemia

Non-megaloblastic anemia:
Liver disease
Alcohol use

Question 11

SADPERSONS risk assessment

Answer 11

Sex (male+1)
Age (<19,>45)
Depression or hopelessness (+2)
Previous attempts or psychiatric care
Excessive alcohol or drug use
Rational thinking loss (+2)
Separated/divorced/widowed
Organised or serious attempt
No social supports
Stated future intent (+2)

> 6 requires hospitalisation