Overview of Anemia and RBC
Pathophysiology
Hgb < 13 g/dL in men, < 12 g/dL in women.
Anemia
Complete blood count used for anemia diagnosis.
CBC
Microscopic visualization of blood cells' characteristics.
Peripheral Blood Smear
Ultrasound imaging of the heart.
Echocardiogram
Measures electrical activity of the heart.
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
,Normal RBC size and color; caused by blood loss.
Normocytic Normochromic Anemia
Small, pale RBCs; commonly due to iron deficiency.
Microcytic Hypochromic Anemia
Large RBCs; often due to B12 or folic acid deficiency.
Megaloblastic Anemia
Reduction in RBC count affecting oxygen transport.
RBC Mass Decrease
Rapid loss due to trauma or hemorrhage.
Acute Blood Loss
Gradual loss; often from GI tract or menstruation.
Chronic Blood Loss
,Destruction of RBCs; can be mild or severe.
Hemolysis
Tachycardia, hypotension, confusion with > 40% blood loss.
Signs of Hypovolemic Shock
Test for hidden blood in stool; assesses GI bleeding.
Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)
Restores blood volume and improves blood pressure.
Isotonic IV Fluid
Recipient antibodies attack donor RBC antigens.
Hemolytic Reaction
, Cytokine release causing fever post-transfusion.
Nonhemolytic Febrile Reaction
Severe allergic response during blood transfusion.
Anaphylactic Reaction
Prevents Rh antibody formation in Rh-negative mothers.
Rhogam
Common in women, children, vegetarians; low iron levels.
Iron Deficiency Anemia
Craving for nonfood substances; associated with anemia.
Pica
Causes megaloblastic anemia; often due to malabsorption.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Pathophysiology
Hgb < 13 g/dL in men, < 12 g/dL in women.
Anemia
Complete blood count used for anemia diagnosis.
CBC
Microscopic visualization of blood cells' characteristics.
Peripheral Blood Smear
Ultrasound imaging of the heart.
Echocardiogram
Measures electrical activity of the heart.
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
,Normal RBC size and color; caused by blood loss.
Normocytic Normochromic Anemia
Small, pale RBCs; commonly due to iron deficiency.
Microcytic Hypochromic Anemia
Large RBCs; often due to B12 or folic acid deficiency.
Megaloblastic Anemia
Reduction in RBC count affecting oxygen transport.
RBC Mass Decrease
Rapid loss due to trauma or hemorrhage.
Acute Blood Loss
Gradual loss; often from GI tract or menstruation.
Chronic Blood Loss
,Destruction of RBCs; can be mild or severe.
Hemolysis
Tachycardia, hypotension, confusion with > 40% blood loss.
Signs of Hypovolemic Shock
Test for hidden blood in stool; assesses GI bleeding.
Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)
Restores blood volume and improves blood pressure.
Isotonic IV Fluid
Recipient antibodies attack donor RBC antigens.
Hemolytic Reaction
, Cytokine release causing fever post-transfusion.
Nonhemolytic Febrile Reaction
Severe allergic response during blood transfusion.
Anaphylactic Reaction
Prevents Rh antibody formation in Rh-negative mothers.
Rhogam
Common in women, children, vegetarians; low iron levels.
Iron Deficiency Anemia
Craving for nonfood substances; associated with anemia.
Pica
Causes megaloblastic anemia; often due to malabsorption.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
