Name that Anemia Flashcards
A patient presents with episodes of pain, jaundice, and difficulty breathing. The patient has a history of hemoglobin S and is of African descent. The condition is co-dominant and can be triggered by high altitudes and stress. What type of anemia is most likely?
Answer Choices:
A) Sickle Cell Anemia
B) Iron Deficiency Anemia
C) Thalassemia
D) Aplastic Anemia
A) Sickle Cell Anemia
Rationale: Sickle cell anemia involves abnormal hemoglobin S, which distorts red blood cell shapes, leading to pain crises, jaundice, and hemolysis. Patients are encouraged to stay hydrated to reduce the frequency of painful episodes.
A patient is diagnosed with the most common type of anemia globally. This anemia is associated with a deficiency in a chemical element that is absorbed in the GI tract, leading to pale and small RBCs. The patient also exhibits a blue hue in the whites of the eyes and has confusion and memory loss. What type of anemia is most likely?
Answer Choices:
A) Iron Deficiency Anemia
B) Pernicious Anemia
C) Thalassemia
D) Sickle Cell Anemia
A) Iron Deficiency Anemia
Rationale: Iron deficiency anemia is the most common anemia worldwide. It leads to smaller, pale red blood cells and is associated with symptoms like confusion in the elderly and developmental delays in children. Vitamin C is important in aiding the absorption of iron.
A patient of Mediterranean or Asian descent presents with dark urine, jaundice, and a history of hemolysis. This genetic anemia involves the absence of either alpha or beta globin and results in hypercoagulability and ineffective erythropoiesis. What type of anemia is most likely?
Answer Choices:
A) Thalassemia
B) Sickle Cell Anemia
C) Iron Deficiency Anemia
D) Aplastic Anemia
A) Thalassemia
Rationale: Thalassemia is a genetic anemia resulting from the absence of alpha or beta globin chains. It is common in Mediterranean and Asian populations and is characterized by symptoms like jaundice, dark urine, and anemia. In mild cases, treatment may not be necessary.
A patient presents with pancytopenia, where the bone marrow is not producing enough blood cells. This anemia can be idiopathic or autoimmune, and the patient shows signs of infection, bleeding, and hypoxia. Diagnosis is confirmed with a CBC and bone marrow biopsy. What type of anemia is most likely?
Answer Choices:
A) Aplastic Anemia
B) Pernicious Anemia
C) Thalassemia
D) Sickle Cell Anemia
A) Aplastic Anemia
Rationale: Aplastic anemia results from the failure of bone marrow to produce adequate blood cells, leading to pancytopenia. It can be caused by autoimmune disorders, toxins, or radiation. Treatment depends on the underlying cause.
A patient is diagnosed with a deficiency in cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) due to a lack of intrinsic factor. Neurologic complications, such as myelin breakdown, are present, along with symptoms like anorexia and bleeding gums. What type of anemia is most likely?
Answer Choices:
A) Iron Deficiency Anemia
B) Aplastic Anemia
C) Pernicious Anemia
D) Thalassemia
C) Pernicious Anemia
Rationale: Pernicious anemia is caused by a deficiency in vitamin B12, typically due to a lack of intrinsic factor. Neurologic symptoms and gastrointestinal issues like anorexia and bleeding gums are common. Treatment includes vitamin B12 supplementation.
