PATH 1017: Anemia

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Questions and Answers

What is a possible cause of iron-deficiency anemia in women?

Deficient diet

Chronic blood loss

Increased demands

All of the above (correct)

What is a characteristic of red blood cells in iron-deficiency anemia?

Macrocytic and oval-shaped

Normochromic and normocytic

Hypochromic and microcytic (correct)

Poikilocytic and teardrop-shaped

What is a common symptom of iron-deficiency anemia?

Fatigue

Glossitis

Stomatitis

All of the above (correct)

What is the treatment for iron-deficiency anemia?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of chronic iron-deficiency anemia?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of iron-deficiency anemia in children?

Increased demands Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible cause of iron-deficiency anemia in adolescents?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is a physical examination finding in iron-deficiency anemia?

Pallor Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for decreased oxygen carrying capacity of blood in anemia?

Abnormally low level of hemoglobin Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of iron deficiency anemia?

Dietary deficiency Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a diagnostic test for anemia?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for anemia characterized by small red blood cells?

Microcytic anemia Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of measuring MCV and MCHC in anemia diagnosis?

To identify the type of anemia Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of ferritin in diagnosing iron deficiency anemia?

To measure iron levels Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a cause of anemia of deficient RBC production?

Hemolytic disease Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of impaired DNA synthesis in anemia?

Enlarged red blood cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of B12-deficiency anemia?

Vitamin B12 deficiency Signup and view all the answers

What is the treatment for B12-deficiency anemia?

Vitamin B12 injections regularly Signup and view all the answers

What is a common manifestation of B12-deficiency anemia?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of aplastic anemia?

There are not enough red blood cells due to bone marrow failure Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of aplastic anemia?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the prognosis for aplastic anemia if left untreated?

Poor Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Anemia

Abnormally low level of hemoglobin, circulating RBCs, or both, leading to decreased oxygen carrying capacity of blood
Can result from impaired production, increased destruction, or massive/chronic blood loss of RBCs
Impaired production can be due to nutritional deficiencies, aplastic anemia, or bone marrow depression
Increased destruction can be due to hemolytic anemia, sickle cell anemia, or thalassemia
Massive/chronic blood loss can be due to trauma, GI bleed, or surgery

General Manifestations

Caused by decreased hemoglobin, hypoxia, and compensatory mechanisms attempting to increase O2 delivery
Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, pallor, difficulty concentrating, and irritability

Diagnostic Tests

Complete Blood Count (CBC) measures hemoglobin, hematocrit, RBC count, and RBC size and color indices
Blood Smear examines stained blood under a microscope
Bone Marrow Aspiration examines bone marrow if blood smear is abnormal
CBC results can indicate microcytic, macrocytic, or normocytic anemia

Iron-Deficiency Anemia

Decreased iron for hemoglobin synthesis, leading to decreased oxygen carrying capacity
RBCs are hypochromic and microcytic, with poikilocytosis and anisocytosis
Etiology includes chronic blood loss, dietary deficiency, and increased demands in women and adolescents
Symptoms include fatigue, lethargy, weakness, pallor, cold intolerance, and brittle nails
Treatment involves improved diet, iron supplements, and identification of blood loss causes

Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anemia

Megaloblastic anemia with large, oval-shaped RBCs, poikilocytosis, and teardrop shapes
Vitamin B12 is necessary for RBC production and DNA synthesis
Etiology includes vitamin B12 deficiency, pernicious anemia, and lack of intrinsic factor in the stomach
Symptoms include classic anemia symptoms, numbness, tingling, and burning in feet and hands, and mental impairment
Treatment involves vitamin B12 injections, and prognosis is good with treatment

Aplastic Anemia

Bone marrow failure leads to decreased RBC production, with RBCs being normal in size and shape
Etiology includes congenital, industrial chemicals, infections, chemotherapy drugs, and idiopathic causes
Pathophysiology involves exposure to toxins leading to bone marrow depression
Manifestations include insidious onset, fatigue, weakness, pallor, petechiae, ecchymosis, bleeding, and increased risk of infection

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Description

This quiz covers the basics of anemia, including its definition, causes, and effects on the body. Topics include decreased oxygen carrying capacity of blood and the various ways anemia can result, such as impaired RBC production and massive blood loss.