Topic 6: Anemias Flashcards
anemia
Deficiency in the amount of erythrocytes (RBCs), they quantity or quality of hemoglobin, and/or volume of packed RBCs
Anemia symptoms:
· Fatigue
· Decreased energy
· Weakness
· SOB
· Lightheadedness
· Palpitations
· Pallor
Severe anemia symptoms:
· Chest pain, angina, heart attach
· Dizziness
· Fainting or passing out
· Rapid HR
· Glossitis, smooth tongue
when checking for jaundice, where should the nurse check in a dark skinned patient
check sclera and mucous membranes for jaundice
diagnosis of anemia
CBC
(Hbg expecially)
what are acute interventions for anemia
· Blood transfusions
· Drug therapy (erythropoietin, vitamin supplements)
· O2 therapy
· Dietary and lifestyle changes (in specific types of anemia)
for patients with fatigue:
· Encourage alternate rest and activity periods
· Help patient prioritize activities to accommodate energy levels
· Avoid activity right after meals to reduce competition for O2
Monitor cardiorespiratory response to activity
Most common anemia
iron deficiency anemia
chronic manifestations of iron deficiency anemia
· Pallor (pale skin)
· Glossitis (inflammation of the tongue)
· Cheilitis (inflammation of the lips)
HA, paresthesia, burning sensation of the tongue
what is the main goal of treatment for iron deficiency anemia
treat underlying problem that is causing iron loss or reduced intake (malnutrition, alcoholism)
oral iron
ferrous sulfate or ferrous gluconate
IM or IV iron
iron dextran, sodium ferrous gluconate, iron sucrose
when should you take iron
1 hour before meals
what should you take iron with
vitamin C or orange juice
what is a common SE of taking iron
stools turning black
after taking oral iron, how long should the patient stay upright
30 minutes
what food are high in iron
· Lean beef
· Turkey
· Pork
· Chicken
· Fish
· Legumes
· Dark green leafy vegetables
· Whole grain and enriched bread and cereals
Beans
thalassemia
Inadequate production of hemoglobin, which decreases RBC production.
what groups is thalassemia common in
ethnic groups near the Mediterranean Sea, equatorial or near equatorial regions of Southeastern Asia, the Middle East, India, Pakistan, China, Southern Russia, and Africa
manifestations of thalassemia minor
· Often asymptomatic
· Small (microcytosis) pale (hypochromic) cells
· Mild splenomegaly
· Bronzed color of the skin
· Bone marrow hyperplasia
manifestations of thalassemia major
· Life threatening where growth (physical and mental) is often slowed
· Pale and displays other general symptoms of anemia
· Jaundice
· Pronounced splenomegaly
May cause thickening of the cranium and maxillary cavity
treatment for thalassemia minor
does not need treatment because the body adapts to the reduction of normal hemoglobin
treatment for thalassemia major
managed with blood transfusions or exchange transfusions in conjunction with chelating agents that bind to iron
types of Megaloblastic Anemia
B12 & folic acid deficiency anemia
most common cobalamin deficiency (Vit. B12) anemia
pernicious anemia
pernicious anemia (Vitamin B12 deficiency)
caused by absence of intrinsic factor (IF). IF is required for cobalamin (Vit. B12) to be absorbed.
folic acid is needed for
DNA synthesis leading to RBC formation and maturation.
Cobalamin (Vit. B12) Deficiency Manifestations:
· Sore, red, beefy and shiny tongue
· Anorexia, N/V, abdominal pain
· Weakness, paresthesia of the feet and hands, reduced vibratory and position senses, ataxia, muscle weakness
· Impaired thought process (confusion to dementia)
Folic Acid Deficiency Manifestations:
· Stomatitis
· Cheilosis
· Dysphagia
· Flatulence
· Diarrhea
Thiamine deficiency, which is often present with folate deficiency, can cause neurologic symptoms