Introduction to Anemia Blood Loss

Questions and Answers

Which of the following are generic signs and symptoms of anemia? (Select all that apply)

Fatigue (correct)

Headaches (correct)

Slight fever (correct)

Nausea

Faintness (correct)

Pallor (correct)

How is anemia diagnosed?

History, physical examination, signs and symptoms, hematology values, lab findings

Match the anemia specialty testing to their definitions:

Osmotic fragility = Test for red blood cell membrane integrity Sickle cell testing = Identifies sickle cell disease Iron studies = Evaluates iron metabolism DAT = Detects antibodies against red blood cells Hgb electrophoresis = Separates different types of hemoglobin

What are the two major classifying schemes for anemia?

Morphological and pathophysiological/functional Signup and view all the answers

What does morphological classification refer to?

Microscopic appearance of the cell Signup and view all the answers

What does functional classification explain?

Explains the cause of the anemia Signup and view all the answers

What kind of classification is Wintrobe classification?

Not specified Signup and view all the answers

Which morphological classifications of anemia are listed? (Select all that apply)

Microcytic, hypochromic anemia Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of blood loss?

Acute and chronic Signup and view all the answers

What defines acute blood loss?

Traumatic conditions, thirst, and shock Signup and view all the answers

What are the three phases of acute blood loss?

Immediate Phase, Delayed Phase, Regenerative Phase Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during the immediate phase of acute blood loss?

Huge blood loss, fluid shift, Hgb and Hct may not be decreased due to fluid shift Signup and view all the answers

What happens during the delayed phase of acute blood loss?

Hgb and Hct decrease; may take hours; normocytic/normochromic Signup and view all the answers

Describe the regenerative phase (acute) of blood loss.

BM responds; retics appear; 7-10 days after blood loss Signup and view all the answers

What summarizes the findings of acute blood loss?

Etiology (cause) - Trauma; Blood volume disruption - Yes; Iron deficiency - No; Hematocrit - Initial is normal; WBC count - Increased; Platelets - Increased; Retics - Initial is normal Signup and view all the answers

Chronic blood loss is primarily associated with which area?

GI tract Signup and view all the answers

What are the two adaptive mechanisms of chronic blood loss?

Increased blood flow to tissues and increased oxygen utilization by tissue Signup and view all the answers

What summarizes the findings of chronic blood loss?

Etiology - GI tract, menstruation, urinary tract; Blood volume disruption - No; Iron deficiency - Yes; Hematocrit & Hgb - Decreased; WBC count - Normal; Platelets - Normal; Reticulocytes - Increased Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Anemia Overview

Generic signs and symptoms of anemia include pallor, fatigue, headaches, faintness, and slight fever.
Diagnosis involves history, physical examination, symptoms, hematology values, and lab findings.

Anemia Testing and Classification

Anemia specialty testing includes osmotic fragility, sickle cell testing, iron studies, DAT, and hemoglobin electrophoresis.
Major classification schemes for anemia are morphological (based on cell appearance) and pathophysiological/functional (based on causes).

Morphological vs. Functional Classification

Morphological classification assesses the microscopic appearance of cells and is useful for diagnosis.
Functional classification explains the causes of anemia and aids in treatment decisions.

Wintrobe Classification

Specific details about Wintrobe classification are not provided but is generally recognized in the context of anemia types.

Morphological Classification Chart

Types include:
- Normocytic, normochromic anemia
- Microcytic, hypochromic anemia
- Macrocytic, normochromic anemia

Blood Loss Types

Two types of blood loss are acute and chronic.

Acute Blood Loss

Often due to traumatic conditions; symptoms include thirst and shock.
Blood loss percentage impacts symptoms:
- 20% loss may show no symptoms at rest
- 30-40% can result in collapse/shock
- 50% loss may lead to death.

Phases of Acute Blood Loss

Immediate Phase: Characterized by significant blood loss and fluid shift; Hgb and Hct levels may not reflect actual loss due to dilution.
Delayed Phase: Hgb and Hct decrease over time, typically observed hours post-incident, presenting as normocytic/normochromic.
Regenerative Phase: Bone marrow responds with reticulocytes appearing 7-10 days after blood loss.

Acute Blood Loss Summary

Etiology predominantly from trauma; blood volume disruption is evident.
Iron deficiency is not a concern initially; hematocrit remains normal at first.
WBC and platelet counts typically increase initially; reticulocyte levels are also initially normal.

Chronic Blood Loss

Commonly associated with the GI tract and other conditions such as menstruation and urinary tract issues.
Blood volume remains stable although iron deficiency develops.

Adaptive Mechanisms of Chronic Blood Loss

Increased oxygenated blood flow to tissues through elevated cardiac rate and output.
Enhanced oxygen uptake through deeper inspirations and increased respiration rates.
Tissue adapts to utilize oxygen more effectively by increasing 2,3 BPG levels in erythrocytes.

Chronic Blood Loss Summary

Etiology includes GI tract issues, menstruation, and urinary tract conditions.
Blood volume disruption does not occur; iron deficiency is common.
Hematocrit and Hgb levels are decreased; WBC and platelet counts remain normal; reticulocyte levels increase.

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Description

This quiz covers key concepts related to anemia, including generic signs and symptoms, diagnosis methods, and specialty testing. Prepare yourself to understand the critical elements of anemia evaluation and management.