Anemia Flashcards
Anemia is defined as abnormally _______.
low red blood cells and or hemoglobin
Causes of anemia?
1 - excessive loss of RBCs from bleeding
2 - destruction of RBCs (hemolysis)
3 - defective RBC production
4 - inadequate RBC production d/t bone marrow failure
Anemia is not a disease, but an indication of ______.
an alteration in body function or disease process
Anemia causes tissue _____.
hypoxia
Signs/symptoms of anemia?
chest pain (d/t lack of O2 to heart) dizziness (d/t lack of O2 to brain) headache (d/t brain cells dying; hypoxia) increased HR fatigue SOB palpitations pallor
Blood Loss Anemia is caused by _____.
GI bleed clotting problems heavy menstrual period hemorrhage any injury or circumstance that causes excessive blood loss
What can happen during Hemolytic Anemia ?
excessive breakdown of RBC in the blood stream causes build up of unconjugated bilirubin; therefore causing jaundice.
How is Sickle Cell disease an example of Hemolytic Anemia?
In Sickle Cell disease the RBC sickles r/t low oxygen (hypoxia) due to a genetic disorder (intrinsic factor)
Extrinsic (outside the body) factors that may cause Hemolytic Anemia?
drugs/toxins physical trauma malaria venoms burns
Iron Deficiency Anemia is caused by
not enough iron
What can cause low iron in the body?
Inadequate dietary intake
Excessive iron loss through bleeding
Increased iron demands
Iron is a component of _____.
Heme
A deficiency of heme leads to decreased hemoglobin synthesis, that leads to an impairment of _______.
oxygen delivery
Chronic blood loss can lead to ____ deficiency.
Iron
Example of chronic blood loss condition?
GI bleed
