Anemia and Blood Problems

sickle cell disease

Individuals who are homozygous for the gene controlling hemoglobin S. The disease is characterized by the destruction of red blood cells and by episodic blocking of blood vessels by the adherence of sickle cells to the vascular endothelium. Normal MCV and low reticulocyte count

Thalassemia

Inherited defect in the ability to produce hemoglobin, Characterised by: - low mean corpuscular volume - high reticulocyte count - High bilirubin level - high serum iron level

pernicious anemia

lack of mature erythrocytes caused by inability to absorb vitamin B12 into the bloodstream red beefy tongue

acquired hemolytic anemia

lysis of RBCs due to exogenous factors: blood transfusions, drugs, chemicals, venoms, certain infections, prosthetic heart valves, burn injuries, vaculitis Characterised by an increased reticulocytes and bilirubin, with normal MCV.

mild anemia

(Hgb 10 to 12 g/dL [100 to 120 g/L]) may exist without causing symptoms. If symptoms develop, it is because the patient has an underlying disease or is experiencing a compensatory response to heavy exercise. Symptoms include palpitations, exertional dyspnea, and mild fatigue.

The nurse expect to observe which manifestations in a patient with acute blood loss of 2000 mL?

- Air hunger - Clammy skin - Decreased central venous pressure

moderate anemia

- Hgb 6-10 g/dL - s/s: increased palpitations, fatigue, roaring in the ear

The nurse suspects that a patient has polycythemia vera based on which findings in the patient's laboratory report?

- Increased cobalamin level - Increased hemoglobin level - Increased red blood cell level - Increased white blood cell level

severe anemia

-Hgb < 6 g/dL -more pallor, jaundice, tachycardia, vertigo, very lethargic

vasovagal syncope

A sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure leading to fainting, often in reaction to a stressful trigger.

A patient with thalassemia shows evidence of hemolysis. The nurse anticipate the prescription of what supplement?

Folic Acid

Which condition results in anemia due to the synthesis of defective DNA in the body?

Folic Acid Deficiency

megaloblastic anemia

Folic acid deficiency, B12 deficiency

Which condition causes anemia due to decreased hemoglobin synthesis?

Iron deficiency

Hypochromic, microcytic anemia

Iron deficiency anemia, lead poisoning, thalassemia (fetal hemoglobin sometimes present), vitamin B6 deficiency, copper deficiency.

_____ blood loss of 2500 mL?

Lactic acidosis and shock

___ loss of 500 mL?

None or rare vasovagal syncope

Which erythrocyte characteristic is seen in patient with acute blood loss?

Normocytic, normochromic

Which assessment finding would the nurse associate with severe anemia?

Pallor

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY AND PERNICIOUS ANAEMIA?

Pernicious Anaemia (Autoimmune Metaplastic Atrophic Gastritis) is the most common cause of Vitamin B12 Deficiency 1 but it is not the only reason for patients becoming deficient in this vitally important vitamin.

Which role does folic acid play in erythropoiesis?

Promotes RBC maturation

aplastic anemia

characterized by an absence of all formed blood elements caused by the failure of blood cell production in the bone marrow

Polycythemia Vera (PV)

chronic, clonal alteration characterized by overproduction (excessive proliferation) of red blood cells in marrow accompanied by splenomegaly; neoplastic condition involving abnormal proliferation of bone marrow stem cells and self-destructive expansion of red cells; cause remain unknown (erythropoietin remains normal); due to increased blood volume and viscosity, hyper-coagulable states result in clogging and occluding blood vessels; tissue injury (ischemia) and death (infarction) is the result; manifestations include plethora (ruddy, red color) and engorgement of retinal and cerebral veins

pancytopenia

deficiency of all types of blood cells