14 Questions
What is anemia characterized by?
A deficiency in the number or quality of erythrocytes
What is a common cause of chronic blood loss leading to anemia?
Bleeding duodenal ulcer
What is the primary function of RBCs?
To transport oxygen from lungs to systemic tissues
How is anemia classified?
According to morphology and etiology
What is a common laboratory test used to diagnose anemia?
Complete blood count (CBC)
What is hemolysis?
The destruction of RBCs
What is the primary goal of interprofessional and nursing management in iron deficiency anemia?
To treat the underlying problem causing loss, reduced intake, or poor absorption of iron
What is the most common nutritional disorder in the world?
Iron deficiency anemia
What is the site of iron absorption in the intestine?
Duodenum
Which of the following is a laboratory test used to diagnose iron deficiency anemia?
Stool occult blood test
What is the name of the inflammation of the tongue that is a manifestation of iron deficiency anemia?
Glossitis
What is the normal range of hemoglobin for females?
12-16 g/dl
Which of the following foods is rich in iron?
Leafy greens
What is the term for the amount of iron stored in the body?
Ferritin
Study Notes
Anemia
- A deficiency in the number of erythrocytes (RBCs) or the quantity of hemoglobin (Hgb) or the volume of packed RBCs (hematocrit)
- Not a specific disease, but rather a manifestation of a pathological process
- Diagnosis based on complete blood count (CBC), reticulocyte count, and peripheral blood smear
Causes of Anemia
- Deficient nutrients (iron, cobalamin, folic acid)
- Decreased erythropoietin
- Decreased iron availability
- Blood loss (chronic or acute)
- Increased RBC destruction (hemolysis)
- Sickle cell disease
- Medication
- Incompatible blood
- Trauma
- RBC function
Functions of RBCs
- Transport oxygen from lungs to systemic tissues
- Carry carbon dioxide from tissues to lungs
Classification of Anemia
- Morphology
- Cellular characteristics
- RBC size and color
- Etiology
- Cause
- Clinical condition causing anemia
Lab Values
- Hemoglobin: Male 14-18 (g/dl), Female 12-16 (g/dl), Low < 6.0, High > 20.0
- Hgb levels are often used to determine severity of anemia
Manifestations of Anemia
- Restlessness and irritation
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Vary based on how fast anemia has evolved, its severity, and any coexisting disease
- Fatigue/weakness, dyspnea, dizziness, palpitations
- Pallor
- Decreased Hgb
- Decreased blood flow to the skin
- Conjunctiva of the eyes can appear pale
Nursing Interventions
- Alternate rest and activity
- Prioritize activities to accommodate energy levels and to maximize O2 supply for vital functions
- Get ADL's done early
- Aid to minimize risk of injury from falls
- Monitor cardiorespiratory response
- Evaluate nutritional needs
Iron Deficiency Anemia
- Most common nutritional disorder in the world
- Most susceptible: very young people, poor diet, women in reproductive years
- Iron rich foods: grains, red meat, leafy greens, shellfish, egg yolks, cooked spinach, green peas, broccoli, brussels sprouts, poultry, dried fruits, legumes
- Etiology: inadequate dietary intake, malabsorption, blood loss
- Clinical manifestations: dyspnea, fatigue, pallor, palpitations, dizziness, glossitis, cheilitis
- Diagnostic studies: Hgb, Hct, MCV, MCH, MCHC, reticulocytes, ferritin, serum iron, TIBC, bilirubin, platelets
- Interprofessional and nursing management: treat underlying problem causing loss, reduced intake or poor absorption of iron
This quiz covers the definition, causes, and diagnosis of anemia, a deficiency in red blood cells or hemoglobin. It includes the factors that contribute to anemia, such as nutrient deficiencies and decreased erythropoietin, as well as the methods used to diagnose anemia, including complete blood counts and peripheral blood smears.
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