How is anemia characterized?
body cannot deliver enough oxygen due to decreased hematocrit & decreased hemoglobin
How is blood loss anemia characterized?
decreased amount of RBCs flowing through the circulatory system
How is nutritional anemia characterized?
deficient amount of vitamins & minerals needed to form normal RBCs
How is hemolytic anemia characterized?
destruction of RBCs from inside or outside causes
How is aplastic anemia characterized?
decline in production of healthy RBCs
What are the 7 common S&S of anemia?
- pale
- dizziness
- tachypnea
- dyspnea
- tachycardia
- chest pain
- fatigue
What are 4 specific S&S of anemia to patients?
- spoon shaped nails
- pica
- cheilosis
- glossitis
What are the 10 lab blood tests that can be taken for anemia? What is seen in each level?
- CBC (low RBC, PLT, & WBC)
- Hemoglobin (dysfunctional RBCs)
- Hematocrit (low % of healthy RBCs)
- Iron (low iron levels)
- Ferritin (low storage of iron in the liver)
- Total iron binding capacity (low available iron to use & attach to use transferrin)
- B12 (low levels)
- Folate (low B9 levels)
- G6PD (lack of RBC protecting enzyme)
- Bone aspiration test (low levels of RBCs)
How is acute blood loss characterized? What is it often caused by?
sudden drop in RBCs often caused by hemorrhage
What are the 3 key symptoms of acute blood loss anemia?
- hypovolemia
- hypotension
- dizziness
What is the body’s response in acute blood loss anemia when the bleeding stops?
the body uses stored iron to restore normal levels by producing normocytic RBC within 3-4 wks.
How is chronic blood loss anemia characterized? What are 2 things it is usually caused by?
gradual drop in RBCs; usually caused by nutritional or chronic diseases
What is one key symptom of chronic blood loss anemia?
chronic fatigue
What is the body’s response in chronic blood loss anemia when the bleeding continues? How long can this process take for the body to restore to normal levels?
body attempts to restore normal levels, but depletes iron & produces microcytic RBCs that do not carry O2 effectively; can take 6 months
What are the 9 S&S of hypovolemic shock?
- altered state
- restlessness
- cyanosis
- excessive thirst
- tachycardia
- oliguria
- tachypnea
- nausea
- weak
What are 6 S&S of a non-hemolytic reaction?
- fever
- chills
- pruritus
- rash
- hives
- nausea
What are the 4 S&S of a hemolytic reaction? (O.U.C.H)
- chest & lower back pain
- dark urine
- oliguria
- hypotension
Which nutritional anemia is the most common?
iron deficiency anemia
What are the 3 characteristics of iron deficiency anemia?
- microcytic (small)
- hypochromic (pale)
- malformed (abnormally shaped)
What PO supplement or IM/IV medication can you give to someone with iron deficiency anemia?
- Ferrous sulfate
- Iron Dextran
What are 3 S&S seen in ferrous sulfate medication?
- constipation
- nausea
- heartburn
What are the 3 characteristics of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia?
- macrocytic (large)
- misshaped (oval)
- Immature growth
What are 2 other names for vitamin B12 deficiency anemia?
- megaloblastic anemia
- pernicious anemia
What is the factor Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia needs to have in order to be able to absorb vitamin B12? Which anemia does not have this factor?
- Intrinsic factor
- Pernicious anemia
