Blood Basics
Which formed element carries oxygen?
Erythrocytes/RBCs.
Rationale: RBC hemoglobin transports oxygen to tissues.
What does hematocrit represent?
Percentage of RBCs in total blood volume.
Rationale: Hct expresses the proportion of total blood volume made up of RBCs.
What is the most common type of anemia?
Iron-deficiency anemia.
Rationale: The slides identify iron-deficiency anemia as the most common anemia.
What IV solution is used with blood products?
0.9% sodium chloride.
Rationale: Normal saline is the compatible solution used to prime blood tubing
What is bleeding into a joint called?
Hemarthrosis.
Rationale: Hemophilia commonly causes bleeding into joints, producing pain and swelling
Which plasma protein is essential for clot formation?
Fibrinogen.
Rationale: Fibrinogen is converted into fibrin strands that stabilize platelet clots.
What does MCV describe?
RBC size.
Rationale: MCV classifies RBCs as microcytic, normocytic, or macrocytic
Pernicious anemia is associated with deficiency of what gastric factor?
Intrinsic factor.
Rationale: Intrinsic factor is needed for vitamin B12 absorption; deficiency causes pernicious anemia.
How long should the nurse remain with the client at the start of a transfusion?
First 15–30 minutes.
Rationale: Severe reactions occur most often early, so close observation is required
What disorder causes excessive RBC production and increased clot risk?
Polycythemia vera.
Rationale: Excess cell production increases blood viscosity and thrombotic risk
Which WBC increases with allergic reactions and parasitic infections?
Eosinophils.
Rationale: Eosinophils rise with allergic responses and parasitic infection.
Low serum iron plus elevated TIBC suggests what disorder?
Iron-deficiency anemia.
Rationale: The slides identify iron-deficiency anemia as the most common anemia.
Which anemia can reduce RBCs, WBCs, and platelets?
Aplastic anemia.
Rationale: Bone marrow failure reduces production of all three major cell lines.
Low-back pain, fever, hypotension, and hemoglobinuria suggest what reaction?
Acute hemolytic reaction.
Rationale: Incompatible blood can cause fever, back pain, hypotension and hemoglobinuria.
What disorder causes abnormal WBC proliferation in bone marrow?
Leukemia.
Rationale: Leukemia involves over proliferation of abnormal marrow cells that crowd out normal cells
Which cell becomes a macrophage in tissues?
Monocyte.
Rationale: Monocytes migrate into tissues and become phagocytic macrophages.
Which test separates normal from abnormal hemoglobin?
Hemoglobin electrophoresis.
Rationale: It separates normal and abnormal hemoglobin and helps identify sickle cell disease and thalassemia.
What shape/size pattern is typical of late iron deficiency?
Microcytic, hypochromic.
Rationale: Late iron deficiency produces smaller RBCs with less hemoglobin
Crackles, JVD, dyspnea, and tachycardia during transfusion suggest what?
Circulatory overload.
Rationale: Rapid/excess volume can produce pulmonary congestion, JVD and dyspnea.
In DIC, why does bleeding follow excessive clotting?
Clotting factors and platelets become depleted.
Rationale: Widespread microclotting consumes clotting components, leading to bleeding.
Which organ filters old RBCs and can release stored blood during hemorrhage?
Spleen.
Rationale: The spleen filters old blood cells and serves as a blood reservoir.
Which test can help assess fibrin degradation in DIC?
D-dimer.
Rationale: D-dimer reflects fibrin breakdown and is useful when evaluating DIC.
Which medication reduces sickling episodes?
Hydroxyurea.
Rationale: Hydroxyurea decreases sickling episodes by promoting hemoglobin production.
What is the first action for a suspected transfusion reaction?
Stop the transfusion.
Rationale: Stopping exposure to the suspected blood product is the immediate safety action.
What is the priority in aplastic anemia?
Prevent hemorrhage and infection.
Rationale: Aplastic anemia causes thrombocytopenia and leukopenia, making bleeding and infection major threats.