RBC Disorders Flashcards
Anemia is the deficiency in
number of erythrocytes- RBCs
quantity of hemoglobin- Hb
volume of packed RBC’s- HCT
Anemia results in a
decrease in oxygen transport and hypoxia
3 Main Causes of Anemia
Blood loss
Decreased production of erythrocytes
Increased destruction of erythrocytes
Decreased production of erythrocytes
Nutrient deficiencies: Iron, Vit B12, Folic Acid, B6, Vit C
– Decreased erythropoietin
– Decreased iron availability
Sickle cell disease, medications, incompatible blood, or trauma
cause increased destruction of erythrocytes
levels used to determine severity of anemia
Hgb
Hgb 10-14 g/dl
Mild Anemia
Mild Anemia
May have no symptoms
Symptoms with activity – Palpitations, Dyspnea, Fatigue
Palpitations, Dyspnea, Fatigue
Mild Anemia
Hgb 6-10 g/dl
Moderate Anemia
Symptoms at rest or with activity
Tachycardia/Palpitations, Dyspnea, Diaphoresis
Fatigue, Pallor
*Do not feel refreshed after sleep
Moderate Anemia
Fatigue, Pallor
Moderate Anemia
Hgb less than 6 g/dl
Severe Anemia
Anemia Clinical Manifestations Depends on
body’s response to tissue hypoxia
Involves multiple body symptoms
Eventually–> Pulmonary Congestion & Heart failure
Severe Anemia
