Module 1

Question 1

2 categories of erythrocyte disorders

Answer 1

Anemia

Polycythemia

Question 2

Polycythemia

Answer 2

RBC count is increased

Question 3

Absolute anemia

Answer 3

Hb concentration is decreased due to decreased absolute numbers of RBCs in the blood and/or a decrease of Hb inside the RBCs
Decrease in red cell mass and oxygen-carrying capacity
Mild to severe symptoms of hypoxia

Question 4

Relative anemia

Answer 4

Occurs when Hb concentration is decreased by increasing the plasma volume (dilution)
eg. anemia of 3rd trimester of pregnancy
No decrease in red cell mass or oxygen carrying capacity

Question 5

3 causes of absolute anemias

Answer 5

Decreased or ineffective erythropoiesis
Increased hemolysis
Blood loss

Question 6

Hypochromic anemias

Answer 6

Red cell indices are decreased

Red cell morphology - hypochromic and often microcytic

Question 7

Macrocytic anemias

Answer 7

Red cell indices variable (MCV increased, MCH variable, MCHC normal)
Red cell morphology - macrocytic

Question 8

Normochromic normocytic anemias

Answer 8

Red cell indices and morphology are normal

Not enough RBCs

Question 9

Hemolytic anemias

Answer 9

Red cell indices often normal

Red cell morphology - poikilocytosis (abnormal shape)

Question 10

Poikilocytosis

Answer 10

Abnormal variation in shape of RBCs

Question 11

Term for abnormal variation in shape of RBCs

Answer 11

Poikilcytosis

Question 12

Term for abnormal size of RBCs

Answer 12

Anisocytosis

Question 13

Anisocytosis

Answer 13

Abnormal size of RBCs

Question 14

Formula for MCV

Answer 14

Hct/RBC

Question 15

Formula for MCH

Answer 15

Hb/RBC

Question 16

Formula for MCHC

Answer 16

Hb/Hct

Question 17

Reference range for MCV

Answer 17

80-100fL

Question 18

Reference range for MCH

Answer 18

27-32pg

Question 19

Reference range for MCHC

Answer 19

320-360g/L