Hematologic System - Anemia

Question 1

what is anemia?

Answer 1

Reduction in the total number of erythrocytes (RBC’s) in the circulating blood or in the quality or quantity of hemoglobin

Question 2

what are the lab values expected for anemia?

Answer 2

Slightly lower than normal may not result in symptoms
Hgb at 7-8 g/dl and Hct at 21-22% will usually result in symptoms

Question 3

what are the main causes of anemia?

Answer 3

impaired erythrocyte production
Acute or chronic blood loss
Increased erythrocyte destruction
Combination of the above

Question 4

what are the physiological manifestations of anemia?

Answer 4

Reduced oxygen-carrying capacity
Tissue hypoxia results

Question 5

what are classic anemia symptoms regardless of underlying cause?

Answer 5

Fatigue
Weakness
Dyspnea
Pallor

Question 6

what is there a reduction of in anemia? how does the body compensate for this? how does this affect the body?

Answer 6

• consistency and volume of blood
• it moves the interstitial fluid into the blood to increase plasma volume
• it makes the blood thinner which flows differently and changes heart rate

Question 7

how does the body compensate for the hypoxemia that results from anemia? how does this negatively impact the body?

Answer 7

• it dilates arterioles and capillaries
• this increases heart rate and stroke volume which can lead to heart failure

Question 8

how does tissue hypoxia from anemia affect the body? what are the manifestations of the this?

Answer 8

• it increases demand on the pulmonary system
• SOB, tachycardia, dizzines, fatigue, pallor