Anemia Flashcards
What is Anemia?
Not enough RBC to carry O2 to perfuse the body
What are s/s of anemia?
Fatigue.
Tiredness
Pallor
Hypotension
Tachycardia
Jaundice
SOB
Cold hands
What is Iron deficieny anemia?
Lack of iron which make RBC
What is iron deficiency caused by?
Lack of iron (through food or supplements)
Vegan diet
Diet low in meat, fish, and poultry
Menstruation
Pregnancy
PICA (eat non food products)
Gastric Bypass (iron not properly absorbed)
What is macrocytic anemia?
MCV greater that 100
Cause are: folate or vitamin B12 deficiency
What is normocytic anemia?
MCV is between 80 and 100
Causes are: bleeding or kidney failure
What is microcytic anemia?
The MCV is less than 80
Causes are: iron deficiency anemia
A patient presented with anemia, what will the vital signs show?
Decreased O2 (SOB)
Decreased BP (Hypotension)
Increased RR
Increased Pulse (Tachycardia)
What lab work will be done for a patient with iron deficiency anemia?
CBC
Hemoglobin: good = 12+, Bad= 8-9 (will need a blood transfusion. Inform HCP if it’s less than 9), Heaven = less than 7
Hematocrit (female) = 36%-48%, male = 41%-51%
Platelet 150,000-480,000
What meds are given to a patient who is iron deficient?
Ferrous sulfate (oral)
Iron Dextran (IV/IM)
What diet is best for a patient with iron deficiency anemia?
Meat
Poultry
Spinach
Whole grains
What are medication considerations for iron deficiency anemia?
Dark/black tarry stools are normal/expected ( NOT GI BLEED)
Take 1 hour before other medications
Take on an empty stomach
Take vitamin C to help with absorption but do not take it at the same time
What is a “PENIA”
Too little of…
What is “CYTOSIS”
Too much of…
Erythrocytopenia is?
Too little RBC
Risk for shock, etc
Erythrocytosis is?
Too much of RBC
Risk for thromboembolism; caused by lung disease, smoking, etc
Leukocytopenia
Not enough WBC
Risk for infection
Leukocytosis
Too many WBC
Risk for hyperthermia, shock, leukemia, etc
Thrombocytopenia
Not enough platelets
Risk for bleeding, shock
Thrombocytosis
Too many platelets
Risk for thromboembolism
What are the steps for blood transfusion?
- Identify blood type and ensure blood matches the client
- Verify with another nurse
- Take baseline vitals
- Prime with normal saline and “y” tubing
- Monitor patient for 15 min for any reactions
- If a reaction occurs, stop the transfusion immediately, disconnect the
tubing and contact HCP
BLOOD CAN BE TRANSFUSED UP TO 4 HOURS. NO MORE THAN THAT
NURSE HAS 30 MIN AFTER GETTING BLOOD TO TRANSFUSE
What is Aplastic Anemia?
Develops as a result of bone marrow damage.
Bone marrow transplant needed
Blood transfusion needed
What is sickle cell anemia?
Blood cells are sickled
Vaso occlusive crisis (extreme pain)
Low O2
Lifespan: less than 3 weeks
What are s/s of sickle cell anemia?
Extreme pain = sickle cell crisis (perform neurological assessment)
One sided arm weakness; stroke
Swelling of hands and feet (Dactylitis)
Onset paralysis of extremities
Sudden inability to be aroused
