NUR 612- Disorders of Red Blood Cells Test Questions and Correct Answers

Discuss the function of iron in the formation of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin (the oxygen carrying portion of the RBC) is composed of four Fe containing heme portions. Transferrin transports Fe to the blood. Ferritin refers to the level of stored Fe, primarily in the liver. Describe the formation, transport, and elimination of bilirubin. RBCs have a life cycle of approx 120 days. They are broken down in the spleen and the reusable products (Fe and amino acids) are recycled. Heme product is converted to bilirubin and taken to liver. It is removed, made water soluble and eliminated in the bile. Describe red blood cell count, the percentage of reticulocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration as it relates to the diagnosis of anemia. RBC: Measures the total number of red blood cells in 1 mm3 of blood reticulocyte: Provides an index of the rate of red cell production (normally about 1%) hemoglobin: hemoglobin content of the blood hematocrit: volume of RBC in 100cc of blood mean corpuscular volume: size of RBC (in chronic anemia this will be low, in acute anemia this will be WNL) mean corpuscular Hgb concentration: concentration of Hgb on the RBC Normal lab values: RBC, H/H, Reticulocyte, MCV RBC: 3.5-5.5 Hct: 35-50 Hgb: 12-16 Reticulocyte: 1-1.5% MCV: 85-100 Explain the determination of the Rh factor. The presence of the D antigen determines the Rh positive or negative. Anemia An abnormally low number of circulating red blood cells or level of hemoglobin, or both. Results in diminished oxygen-carrying capacity. Describe the relation between vitamin B12 deficiency and megaloblastic anemia. vitamin B12 deficiency leads to megaloblastic anemia. Compare characteristics of the red blood cells in acute blood loss, hereditary spherocytosis, sickle cell disease, iron deficiency anemia, and aplastic anemia. Acute blood loss: will have normal appearance