Anaemia

Question 1

Define Macrocytic anaemia.

Answer 1

Anaemia is lack of haemoglobin. Macrocytic refers to RBCs that are too large.

Question 2

Define Microcytic anaemia.

Answer 2

The presence of small, often hypochromic RBC’s in peripheral blood smear. Low MCV <80 fl

Question 3

Define Normocytic anaemia

Answer 3

Normal sized blood cells but there are a low number of them.

Question 4

Define Hypochromic anaemia

Answer 4

Any anaemia where the blood cells are paler than normal. Hypo means less and chromic refers to colour

Question 5

Define Hyperchromic anaemia

Answer 5

An anaemia with an increase of haemoglobin in individual RBC’s and reduction in the number of cells.

Question 6

Define Normochromic anaemia

Answer 6

The concentration of haemoglobin in RBC’s is in the normal range but there are insufficient numbers of RBCs.

Question 7

What is Anaemia?

Answer 7

“The inability of the blood to carry enough oxygen to meet the body’s needs” (Ross & Wilson, 2014, p73)

Question 8

What are the average daily iron requirements for men, women & children?

Answer 8

Men 1-2mg
Women 3mg
Children require more than adults

Question 9

List the characteristics of RBC in Iron deficiency Anaemia

Answer 9

RBC Count often normal
RBC are small, pale and of variable size
RBC often contain less haemoglobin than normal

Question 10

Why might Iron deficiency anaemia occur?

Answer 10

Deficient intake (either not enough or higher than normal demand)
Poor absorption from alimentary tract

Question 11

What is Pernicious Anaemia?

Answer 11

An autoimmune disorder which leads to a B12 deficiency.

Question 12

Other than an autoimmune disease what are the other reasons for a B12 deficiency?

Answer 12

Gastroectomy
Chronic Gastritis
Malabsorption

Question 13

What is a result of a folic acid or B12 deficiency?

Answer 13

It can lead to a megoblastic anaemia

Question 14

What are megoblastic Erythorcytes?

Answer 14

Red blood cells that are larger than normal?

Question 15

Why does folic acid or B12 deficiency result in megablastic erythrocytes?

Answer 15

Rate of DNA & RNA synthesis is reduced delaying cell division. Cells therefore grow larger and some are nucleated.

Question 16

What is the average life span of a megoblastic RBC?

Answer 16

40-50 days

Question 17

When would Haemolytic anaemia occur?

Answer 17

RBCs destroyed or removed prematurely

Question 18

What type of anaemia is sickle cell?

Answer 18

Congenital haemolytic

Question 19

What is Haemolysis?

Answer 19

Process of RBC destruction

Question 20

What are common symptoms of Anaemia?

Answer 20

Pallor
Tiredness
Dyspnoea

Question 21

What is Dyspnoea?

Answer 21

Shortness of breath and breathing discomfort

Question 22

What type of anaemia results from Bone Marrow Failure?

Answer 22

Aplastic

Question 23

What are the presenting symptoms of Aplastic Anaemia?

Answer 23

Bruising and Bleeding

Question 24

List the known causes of Aplastic anaemia

Answer 24

Drugs
ionising radiation
some chemicals
viral disease (inc hepatitis)

Question 25

What disease do some sickle cell sufferers have immunity from and why?

Answer 25

Malaria | The life span of a blood cell is shorter than the time it takes for the malaria parasite to mature.

Question 26

What causes the RBC's in sickle cell anaemia to be misshapen?

Answer 26

Abnormal Hb molecules become misshapen on oxygenation and if there are enough in a cell it will lead to sickle shaped cells.

Question 27

What is an acute episode of Sickle Cell anaemia referred to?

Answer 27

Sickle Crisis

Question 28

What is Thalassaemia?

Answer 28

Congenital Haemolytic Anaemia

Question 29

How does Thalassaemia affect RBC's?

Answer 29

It causes abnormal haemoglobin production, in turn reduces Erythropoiesis and stimulates haemolysis.

Question 30

What are the symptoms in moderate to severe Thalassaemia?

Answer 30

Bone Marrow expansion | Splenomegaly

Question 31

What are the long term problems of Sickle Cell Anaemia?

Answer 31

``` Cardiac Disease Kidney Failure Retinopathy Poor tissue healing Slow growth in children ```

Question 32

Why is there an increased risk of stroke for sickle cell anaemia sufferers?

Answer 32

Sickle cells can cause blockages in blood vessels because of their abnormal shape. if these blockages occur in the brain there is an increase risk of stroke or seizure

Question 33

What is Haemolytic Disease of the Newborn

Answer 33

Congenital Haemolytic Anaemia

Question 34

Who is at risk from contracting HDN?

Answer 34

Rh+ babies of Rh- mothers who have previously given birth to to Rh+ babies

Question 35

Why would a Rh- woman start producing Rh antibodies?

Answer 35

If she gives birth to a Rh+ baby and a small amount of the fetal blood mixes with her own.

Question 36

What preventative measure is used to avoid HDN?

Answer 36

Anti-D injections given within 72 hours of delivery of a Rh+ baby.

Question 37

What are common signs of Anaemia?

Answer 37

Tachycardia Palpitations Breathlessness on exertion

Question 38

Why does Anaemia cause tachycardia?

Answer 38

To improve blood supply and speed up circulation

Question 39

Why does Anaemia cause palpitations or chest pains?

Answer 39

Increased effort of overworked heart

Question 40

Why does Anaemia cause breathlessness on exertion?

Answer 40

To compensate for higher demand for oxygen from the tissues

Question 41

What causes Haemorrhagic Anaemia?

Answer 41

Acute or sudden blood loss

Question 42

Which organ of the body are the antibodies involved in Pernicious anaemia active?

Answer 42

The Stomach

Question 43

Parietal cells are attacked in which form of Anaemia?

Answer 43

Pernicious Anaemia

Question 44

Intrinsic Factor is produced by which organ?

Answer 44

The stomach

Question 45

What factor produced by the stomach is affected in Pernicious Anaemia?

Answer 45

Intrinsic Factor

Question 46

List complications of Vit B12 deficiency anaemia

Answer 46

Irreversible Neurological damage | Mucosal abnormalities

Question 47

Anaemia resulting from folic acid deficiency gives rise to neurological damage? True or False?

Answer 47

False