Week 11 - Anemia

Question 1

what is anemia

Answer 1

• hematological disorder characterized by decreased number of RBCs, hgb, and hct

Question 2

what can cause anemia (3)

Answer 2

• blood loss
• impaired production of erythrocytes (RBCs)
• increased destruction of RBCs

Question 3

what can cause impaired production of RBCs (4)

Answer 3

• iron deficiency
• folic acid deficiency
• cobalamin deficiency
• decreased erythropoietin

Question 4

what can cause increased RBC destruction (4)

Answer 4

• sickle cell disease
• medications
• incompatible blood
• trauma

Question 5

what does anemia lead to`

Answer 5

• interruption in the transport of O2 to the tissues = tissue hypoxia

Question 6

how is anemia diagnosed (3)

Answer 6

• history
• physical exam
• lab review of CBC

Question 7

what are the clinical manifestations of anemia caused by

Answer 7

• the body’s response to tissue hypoxia

- depend on the severity of anemia

Question 8

what symptoms are seen w anemia (12)

Answer 8

• skin color changes
• fatigue
• dizziness
• tachycardia (to try and compensate)
• tachypnea
• SOB
• impaired thought process
• headache
• irritability
• bone pain
• sensitivity to cold
• pruritis

Question 9

what skin color changes may be present w anemia (2)

Answer 9

• pallor

- jaundice

Question 10

what can cause iron deficiency anemia (4)

Answer 10

• inadequate dietary intake
• malabsorption
• blood loss
• hemolysis

Question 11

what are 3 common symptoms of iron deficiency anemia

Answer 11

• pallor
• glossitis
• cheilitis

Question 12

what is glossitis

Answer 12

• inflammation of the tongue

Question 13

what is cheilitis

Answer 13

• inflammation of the lips

Question 14

what is the main goal of therapy for anemia

Answer 14

• correcting the cause of anemia

Question 15

what may be included in acute intervention of anemia to stabilize the pt (4)

Answer 15

• blood or blood product transfusion
• drug therapy
• volume replacement
• O2 therapy

Question 16

what are some nursing interventions for anemia (3)

Answer 16

• manage fatigue
• nutritional therapy
• medications

Question 17

what are some nursing interventions to help manage fatigue in a pt w anemia (4)

Answer 17

• encourage alternating rest & activity periods
• reduce unnecessary enviro stimuli
• educate on importance of prioritizing activities (ex. dont go for a walk right before lunch)
• provide assistance w ADLs (may be dizzy, fatigued, SOB)

Question 18

what is included in nutritional therapy for anemia (4)

Answer 18

• consult dietician
• recommend a food diary
• monitor I&O (calorie counts)
• encourage foods that promote hematopoeisis

Question 19

what are some foods that encourage hematopoiesis (6)

Answer 19

• protein (amino acids) (red meat, eggs, beans, organ meats)
• iron
• vitamin C
• vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
• folic acid
• vitamin B6

Question 20

what is included in drug therapy for pts with anemia (3)

Answer 20

• oral iron
• IV/IM iron dextran & iron sucrose (rlly concentrated iron)
• blood transfusion (PRBC) –> if symptomatic

Question 21

what are 2 examples of oral iron for mngmt of anemia

Answer 21

• ferrous sulfate

- ferrous gluconate

Question 22

what should be noted w liquid iron

Answer 22

• if undiluted, may stain teeth

- should be diluted and consumed w straw

Question 23

what side effects may occur w iron admin (3)

Answer 23

GI s/e:

• heart burn
• constipation
• diarrhea

Question 24

to replenish the body’s iron stores, the pt needs to take iron therapy for how long?

Answer 24

• 2-3 months after the hb lvl returns to normal