Hematology

Question 1

Describe:

Iron deficiency anemia

Answer 1

It is when there is not enough hemoglobin.

It can be caused by blood loss, decreased gastrointestinal absorptions and a diet that lacks iron.

Question 2

Signs and symptoms:

Iron deficiency anemia

Answer 2

• pallor
• weakness and fatigue
• tachycardia
• low hemoglobin and hematocrit levels

Question 3

What types of foods are recommended for a client with iron deficiency anemia?

Answer 3

Eat foods that contain iron:

• meats
• lentils and beans
• spinach

Question 4

Medications:

Iron deficiency anemia

Answer 4

• iron PO
• iron IM given Z-track

Question 5

Which vitamin should be taken with iron for better absorption?

Answer 5

Vitamin C

• orange juice
• strawberries

Question 6

What is a common side effect of taking oral iron pills?

Answer 6

Constipation and black stools.

Take with vitamin C for better absorption and to prevent constipation (orange juice or strawberries).

Question 7

How should liquid iron be taken so that it doesn’t stain the teeth?

Answer 7

Drink liquid iron through a straw.

Question 8

Describe:

Vitamin B₁₂ deficiency anemia (pernicious anemia)

Answer 8

A lack of B₁₂ for 2 reasons:

1. not enough intake of B₁₂
2. not able to absorb B₁₂ due to lack of intrinsic factor

Question 9

What is intrinsic factor?

Answer 9

A protein secreted by the gut that is needed to absorb Vitamin B₁₂.

Question 10

Why would a client NOT release intrinsic factor?

Answer 10

The client would NOT release intrinsic factor if they had gastric surgery and the stomach was removed or some other type of gastric disease.

Question 11

Signs and symptoms:

Vitamin B₁₂ Deficiency Anemia

Answer 11

• pallor
• fatigue
• smooth, beefy red tongue
• paresthesias of the hands and feet

Question 12

How is vitamin B₁₂ deficiency anemia treated if it’s from lack of intrinsic factor?

Answer 12

With B₁₂ injections:

• first weekly
• then monthly for life

Question 13

How is vitamin B₁₂ deficiency anemia treated if it’s from a dietary deficiency?

Answer 13

Teach to eat foods high in vitamin B₁₂:

• protein such as beef, liver, chicken, and fish
• dairy
• eggs

Question 14

Describe:

Folate deficiency anemia

Answer 14

Anemia caused by lack of absorption of folate (vitamin B₉).

Question 15

Cause:

Folate deficiency anemia

Answer 15

Due to body not getting enough folate or not absorbing folate:

• Celiac or Crohn’s disease
• pregnancy: increases folate needs
• chronic alcoholics

Question 16

Treatment:

Folate deficiency anemia

Answer 16

• folic acid supplements
• eat foods high in folate

Question 17

What foods are high in folate?

Answer 17

• dark, green leafy vegetables
• meat and legumes
• nuts
• eggs

A variety of foods.

Question 18

Describe:

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)

Answer 18

Proteins that control blood clotting become overactive and the client can get intermittent clotting and bleeding.

Question 19

Risk factors:

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)

Answer 19

• pregnancy
• sepsis

Question 20

Diagnostic tests:

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)

Answer 20

• check platelets
• D-dimer
• PT time

Question 21

Treatment:

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)

Answer 21

• If bleeding, administer platelets and clotting factors
• If clotting, administer heparin IV

Implement bleeding precautions.