Hematology Study Questions Flashcards
Hemoglobin normal lab value
10.2-13.4
Hematocrit normal lab value
31.7%-39.8%
RBC normal lab value
3.89-5.03
WBC normal lab value
4.86-11.4
Platelet normal lab value
202-367
MCV normal lab value
71.3-87.6
MCH normal lab value
23.7-29.5
Reticulocyte count normal lab value
0.82%-1.49%
What is hemoglobin
O2 carrying protein in RBC
What is hematocrit
plasma in blood
What is mean corpuscular value
average size of RBC
what is mean corpuscular hemoglobin
average mass of Hgb per RBC
Anemia definition
Reduction in number of RBCs, hemoglobin, or Hct below normal
Anemia cause
Decreased production (marrow issues, nutrition), blood loss, or RBC destruction
Lab indicators of anemia
↓ Hgb, ↓ Hct, altered MCV/MCH, ↑ or ↓ reticulocytes depending on type.
Microcytic anemia
↓ MCV (Iron deficiency)
Normocytic anemia
Normal MCV (e.g., inflammation, hemorrhage)
Macrocytic anemia
↑ MCV (B12 or folate deficiency)
Iron deficient anemia definition/cause
Inadequate iron intake (excessive cow’s milk, poor diet), blood loss (GI, menstruation)
Early S/S of iron deficient anemia
pallor, fatigue, irritability, pica
Late S/S of iron deficient anemia
tachypnea and cardiomegaly
treatment of iron deficient anemia
- 2-5mg/kg/day of elemental iron
- Take with ascorbic acid
- No milk
- Reticulocytes normal within days
- Hgb normal within 2 months
labs of iron deficient anemia
low ferritin, low serum FE, high TIBC
Sickle cell disease definition
Autosomal recessive; common in African/Mediterranean descent. Caused by Hgb S replacing normal Hgb A
Patho of sickle cell disease
Sickled cells → vessel occlusion → ischemia and organ damage.
- Chronic hemolysis/anemia due to short RBC lifespan (10–20 days).
Complications of sickle cell
stroke, acust chest crisis, splenic sequestration, priapism, retinopathy, kidney damage, and gallstones
Medications for sickle cell
- Hydroxyurea ( ↑ Hgb F, ↓ Hgb S)
- Penicillin (Until age 5 to prevent infections)
- Folic Acid (Supports RBC production)
- PCA (For age 6+, child-controlled; monitor for respiratory depression)
Does sickle cell have a cure?
- Yes
- Hematopoietic stem cell transplant
- Risk for graft rejection/infection/GVHD
Acute chest crisis
- acute lower respiratory tract illness
- S/S include infiltrate on CXR, fever, chest pain, tachypnea, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and low O2 sat
- Medical emergency
Infection crisis
- Lab evidence will show abnormal spleen function in sickle cell pt’s as early as 4-6 months of age
- Fever above 38.5 is an emergency
- Broad spectrum antibiotics are given (cefepine)
Vaso-Occlusive crisis
- triggered by dehydration, infection, stress, cold, hypoxia
- S/S include fever, pain, swollen joints
- Treatment is IV hydration, pain management, and monitor perfusion/infection
Hemophilia definition
- A is factor 8
- B is factor 4
- Hemarthrosis, prolonged bleeding, easy bruising, intracranial bleeds
Hemophilia treatment
Factor replacement, DDAVP (for mild cases), genetic counseling
