Anemia and CBC Test Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of a Complete Blood Count (CBC) test in relation to red blood cells?

To measure the oxygen saturation in the blood

To assess the pH level of the blood

To evaluate the size of the blood volume

To determine the levels of hemoglobin and other blood components (correct)

Which of the following reflects normal hemoglobin levels for females?

10 - 14 g/dL

12 - 16 g/dL (correct)

15 - 19 g/dL

14 - 18 g/dL

Which type of anemia is caused by a deficiency of essential nutrients?

Thalassemia

Aplastic anemia

Sickle Cell anemia

Iron-deficiency anemia (correct)

What is a key characteristic of abnormal hematopoiesis in anemia?

Genetic abnormalities affecting red blood cell production Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT classified under the etiological classification of anemia?

Leukemia Signup and view all the answers

What causes microcytic, hypochromic anemia?

Iron deficiency Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a possible consequence of immune hemolysis?

Destruction of red blood cells Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic blood smear finding in normocytic, normochromic anemia?

RBCs appear normal in size and color Signup and view all the answers

What are the main dietary sources of iron deficiency anemia?

Inadequate dietary intake of iron Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions can lead to blood loss contributing to anemia?

Heavy menses Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of erythrocytes in the blood?

Transport oxygen and carbon dioxide Signup and view all the answers

Which blood component is primarily responsible for phagocytosis?

Granulocytes Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of blood formation called?

Hematopoiesis Signup and view all the answers

Which type of leukocyte is involved in the direct cellular attack on antigens?

T lymphocytes Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of plasma in the blood?

To transport nutrients and waste Signup and view all the answers

Which type of blood cell is primarily responsible for controlling blood clotting?

Thrombocytes Signup and view all the answers

What substance do basophils release to stimulate an inflammatory response?

Histamine Signup and view all the answers

How many liters of blood does an average human have circulating in their body?

5-6 liters Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Applied Pathophysiology I - Hematological Disorders

Course: Applied Pathophysiology I
Course Code: HIM 2113
Learning Objective 4 (LO4): Hematological Disorders
Focuses on blood disorders, pathophysiology, etiology, symptoms, investigations, management, analysis of case studies, and relevant examples
Learning Objectives include:
- Briefly describe the pathophysiology of blood disorders
- Identify the etiology of blood disorders
- Identify the signs and symptoms of blood disorders
- Define common investigations used for blood disorders
- Identify the most common management strategies for blood disorders
- Apply knowledge to analyze given case studies
- Identify relevant examples illustrating disease categories

Blood Components and Formation

Blood is a specialized tissue containing fluid (plasma) and cells.
Key components include erythrocytes (red blood cells), leukocytes (white blood cells), and thrombocytes (platelets).
Blood formation (hematopoiesis) primarily occurs in the bone marrow.
Average adult blood volume: 5-6 liters (7.5% of total body weight).
Normal hemoglobin ranges:
- Males: 14-18 g/dL
- Females: 12-16 g/dL

Hematological Disorders: Agenda

Blood formation
Anemia (including iron deficiency, sickle cell, and others)
Bleeding disorders
Lymphoma
Leukemia

Blood Smear Findings

Normocytic, normochromic anemia: RBCs appear normal, often following massive blood loss, chronic infections, or metabolic diseases.
Microcytic, hypochromic anemia: RBCs are small and pale, typically caused by iron deficiency or thalassemia.
Macrocytic, normochromic anemia: RBCs are large but normal color, commonly related to vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency.
Abnormal RBC shapes: Examples include sickle cell anemia and spherocytosis.

Anemia - Classification (Etiologic)

Decreased hematopoiesis: Bone marrow failure (e.g., aplastic anemia), and deficiencies in essential nutrients (e.g., iron, vitamin B12, folic acid).
Abnormal hematopoiesis: Genetic abnormalities, such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia.
Loss or destruction of RBCs: Bleeding, immune hemolysis, antigen-antibody reactions, and infections (e.g., malaria).

Diagnosis Based on Morphology

Blood smears: Analyzing RBC size, shape, and hemoglobin content
Chemical analysis of hemoglobin content

Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA)

The most common form of anemia
Results from inadequate iron supply for optimal RBC formation
Characterized by smaller, paler RBCs (microcytic, hypochromic)
Etiology includes: Iron malabsorption (GI diseases), blood loss (heavy menstrual bleeding, GI ulcers, trauma, cancers), pregnancy (increases iron requirement)

Iron Deficiency Anemia - Signs & Symptoms

Initially asymptomatic
Hypoxia-related symptoms: fatigue, irritability, mental confusion, pale skin, headache, dyspnea (shortness of breath), and increased susceptibility to infections

Iron Deficiency Anemia - Diagnostic Investigations

Biochemical data (blood studies): CBC (hemoglobin, hematocrit, RBC count, MCV, reticulocyte count), low serum iron levels, low hematocrit, low RBC count, peripheral blood smear.

Iron Deficiency Anemia - Treatment

Iron replacement therapy (usually oral pills)
Identifying and treating the underlying cause (e.g., GI bleeding or menstrual issues).

Sickle Cell Anemia

Inherited genetic disorder
Causes abnormal hemoglobin, leading to rigid, sickle-shaped RBCs.
Results in hemolysis, vascular occlusion, and various complications.

Bleeding Disorders

Hemostasis: Prevents uncontrolled bleeding, involving coordinated action of vessels, platelets, and coagulation factors.
Coagulation factors: A series of proteins to form a clot.
Bleeding disorders: Caused by defects in vessels, platelets, or coagulation factors.
Purpura: Blood leakage from capillaries on the skin.
Types: Hemophilia, Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC).

Hemophilia

Sex-linked congenital clotting factor deficiency.
Most common types: Factor VIII deficiency (Hemophilia A) and Factor IX deficiency (Hemophilia B).
Symptoms: Bleeding after minor trauma, easy bruising, hemarthrosis (bleeding into joints), potentially fatal bleeding in the brain.

Hemophilia - Investigations & Treatment

Investigations: Activated partial thromboplastin time (APPT), Factor VIII or Factor IX levels.
Treatment: Frequent transfusions of deficient clotting factor. Teach patient to avoid trauma.

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)

Acquired coagulopathy
Risk factors: Trauma, shock, infections, obstetric complications, cancers, and cardiovascular disease
Mechanism: Overstimulation of coagulation->consumption of clotting factors->clots form in capillaries->ischemia->activates plasmin, breakdown of clots->bleeding->potential bleeding out.
Treatment involves coagulation factors, heparin (inhibit clot formation), pain management, and controlling bleeding sites.

Hematological Malignancies

Leukemia: Cancer of white blood cells.
- Types: Myelocytic and lymphocytic, acute and chronic.
- Symptoms: bleeding disorders, anemia, recurrent infections.
- Investigations: Bone marrow biopsy, CBC.
- Treatment: Chemotherapy, bone marrow transplant
Lymphoma: Cancer of lymphoid tissues.
- Hodgkin's and Non-Hodgkin's types.
- Symptoms: painless lymphadenopathy, systemic symptoms (fatigue, fever, night sweats, weight loss.)
- Investigations: Lymph node biopsy, CXR, bone scan, bone marrow biopsy, CT scan of abdomen.
- Treatment: Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy.

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Description

This quiz explores the fundamental concepts related to Complete Blood Count (CBC) tests and different types of anemia. It covers normal hemoglobin levels, characteristics of hematopoiesis, nutritional deficiencies, and associated conditions. Test your knowledge on these important hematological topics.