Hematology Flashcards
What is anemia
Deficiency in RBC
What are the two types of anemia
Relative
Absolute
What is absolute anemia
the decrease in number of RBC
What is relative anemia
The normal total RBC mass with increased plasma volume
What population is prone to relative anemia?
Pregnant mothers because the percentage of RBC decreases as plasma volume increases
What is the job of RBC
to deliver oxygen. If you don’t have enough, organs, cells can get oxygenated
What is the mechanism for pernicious anemia
lack of vitamin B leads to altered DNA synthesis
What is the mechanism for folate deficiency
Lack of folate leads to premature cell death
What is the mechanism for iron deficiency
lack of iron leads to lack of hemoglobin
What is the mechanism for Thalassemia
Congenital impaired synthesis of hemoglobin chain
What is the mechanism for aplastic anemia
Bone marrow suppression leads to decreased production
What is the mechanism for sickle cell anemia
congenital abnormal hemoglobin molecule
What is the mechanism for post hemorrhage
blood loss leads to insufficient RBC
What is the mechanism for anemia of chronic Dz
chronic infection
inflammation
malignancy leads to increased demand or suppression
What is the mechanism for hemolytic disease of newborn
Maternal antibodies case destruction of fetal cells
What is the mechanism for Acute blood loss
blood loss to insufficient RBC
Why does anemia result in tissue hypoxia
failure of the delivery of oxygen to cells
What are signs and symptoms of tissue hypoxia that results from anemia that you would see on physical assessment?
Pallor skin or mucous membrane Increase RR Muscle pain (claudication) CNS (dizziness, fainting, lethargy) Fatigue
What systems are involved in compensatory mechanisms
Cardiovascular
Renal
DPG
Erythropoietin
What compensatory mechanisms occur in the cardiovascular system
Increase HR
Vasodilation
Increase stroke volume
What compensatory mechanisms occur in the renal
Increases renin-aldosterone response
Increases extracellular fluid
What compensatory mechanisms occur in the DPG
Increase in DPG cells to release oxygen from hemoglobin tissues
What compensatory mechanisms occur in the Erythropoietin
Increases erythropoietin to stimulate bone marrow to produce more RBC
What are mild clinical manifestations of anemia?
no symptoms
What are mild to moderate clinical manifestations of anemia?
Loss of stamina Exertional dyspnea Generalized weakness Tachycardia Fatigue
What are moderate to severe clinical manifestations of anemia?
Tinnitus in the ear
Angina pectoris (chest pain)
Muscle cramps
Orthostatic hypotension
What are test that you can anticipate that could be ordered for your patient to evaluate for anemia.
hemoglobin
hematocrit
peripheral smear
What does hemoglobin measure and what is the lab value?
12-16 g/dl
Measures of the protein that is in RBC responsible carrying and delivering the oxygen
What does hematocrit measure and what is the lab value
37-47%
Volumes of RBC compared to total blood volume
What does the peripheral smear measure?
It will tell you the color and shape of RBC
What are general treatments for anemia?
Treatment is based on cause of anemia
Blood transfusion
Supplements
Rest, oxygen, fluids
What is the most common nutritional deficiency and cause of anemia?
Iron deficiency
What are the causes/etiology of iron deficiency anemia?
Low intake of iron
Anytime you have an physiologic increase in requirement
Excessive iron loss due to blood loss (heavy periods, post-partum hemorrhaging)
Renal issues
What is an assessment finding of iron deficiency?
Pica