Types & Causes of Anemia
A client with iron deficiency anemia will have which red blood cell morphology.
Microcytic and hypochromic red blood cells because iron deficiency leads to small pale cells due to inadequate hemoglobin production.
A child with sickle cell disease develops painful swelling of the hands and feet. The first manifestation of sickle cell disease in infants and toddlers. What condition is this?
Dactylitis also known as hand-foot syndrome, because vaso-occlusion in small bones of the hands and feet causes painful inflammation early in life.
This laboratory value increases within about one week after starting iron therapy and indicates successful treatment.
Increased reticulocyte count because immature red blood cells released from the bone marrow show that new red blood cell production has begun.
This route is required for vitamin B12 administration in clients with pernicious anemia or after gastrectomy.
Intramuscular injection because lack of intrinsic factor prevents vitamin B12 absorption through the gastrointestinal tract.
A client cannot tolerate oral iron due to severe gastrointestinal distress. What intervention should the nurse anticipate?
Administration of injectable iron
Rationale:
If oral iron is ineffective or not tolerated, parenteral iron therapy may be required to restore iron levels.
This anemia commonly occurs in clients with chronic kidney disease due to reduced erythropoietin production.
Normocytic anemia because kidney failure decreases erythropoietin production which reduces red blood cell formation while cell size remains normal.
A persistent painful erection lasting several hours in a client with sickle cell disease indicates this emergency complication.
Priapism because obstructed penile blood flow from sickled cells can cause permanent tissue damage and impotence if not treated immediately.
This laboratory test confirms the specific hemoglobin type present in a newborn suspected of sickle cell trait.
Hemoglobin electrophoresis because electrical separation identifies hemoglobin A and hemoglobin S based on molecular charge differences.
This medication helps prevent sickling episodes by increasing fetal hemoglobin levels in clients with sickle cell disease.
Hydroxyurea increases fetal hemoglobin which reduces red blood cell sickling but requires monitoring for bone marrow suppression.
This diet is most appropriate for a client with folate deficiency anemia.
Diet rich in green leafy vegetables and fortified cereals because foods such as spinach and asparagus contain high concentrations of folate.
This type of anemia results from destruction of red blood cells and can occur in clients with mechanical heart valves.
Hemolytic anemia because mechanical trauma from the valve physically damages and destroys circulating red blood cells.
Sudden left upper quadrant pain, enlarged spleen, hypotension, and tachycardia in a client with sickle cell disease indicate this life-threatening condition.
Splenic sequestration because large amounts of blood become trapped in the spleen causing rapid splenomegaly and hypovolemic shock.
This laboratory value eventually decreases as iron deficiency anemia improves with treatment.
Total iron binding capacity decreases because improved iron stores reduce the body’s need to bind and transport additional iron.
A nurse is caring for an infant at risk for iron deficiency anemia. Which factor increases this risk?
Breastfeeding without iron supplementation after 6 months; non-fortified formula; early cow's milk.
Breast milk contains limited iron, and infants require additional iron sources after 6 months to prevent deficiency.
A small insect bite on the leg of a client with sickle cell disease is concerning for development of this complication.
Chronic leg ulcer because impaired circulation prevents proper wound healing.
This type of anemia occurs when the body lacks materials like iron, B12, or folate needed to produce red blood cells.
Hypoproliferative anemia because insufficient building blocks prevent adequate red blood cell production by the bone marrow.
Which life-threatening complication of sickle cell disease is characterized by chest pain, fever, cough, and dyspnea?
Acute chest syndrome
Acute chest syndrome is a leading cause of death in sickle cell disease and requires immediate medical treatment.
Monitoring this laboratory test is essential when a client takes hydroxyurea.
Complete blood count with differential because hydroxyurea suppresses bone marrow and may decrease white blood cells and platelets.
What are the priority nursing interventions during a vaso-occlusive crisis?
hydration, oxygen therapy & Pain management,
Rationale:
Treatment focuses on reducing blood viscosity, improving oxygenation, and relieving severe pain caused by tissue ischemia.
hydration, oxygen therapy & Pain management
Rationale: Treatment focuses on reducing blood viscosity, improving oxygenation, and relieving severe pain caused by tissue ischemia.
Protective isolation is a priority intervention for clients experiencing this crisis.
Aplastic crisis because bone marrow suppression can lead to pancytopenia and increased infection risk.
A nurse assess a client who has a history of gastrectomy, the client presents with paresthesia in the hands and feet as well as dificulty walking & weak muscles. Labs inicate Macrocytic red blood cells.Which deficiency is most likely responsible for the clients condition?
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is essential for nerve cell health. Deficiency can cause neurological damage such as paresthesia (numbness & tingling of the hands & feet) , ataxia, and muscle weakness.
Which conditions can trigger sickling in clients with sickle cell disease?
Low oxygen levels, acidosis, and dehydration
These conditions promote the sickling of red blood cells, increasing the risk of vaso-occlusive crises.
This term describes the size and color characteristics of red blood cells used to classify anemia.
Morphology because it evaluates structural features such as cell size including microcytic or macrocytic and color including hypochromic.
A nurse should recognize that which medications can increase the risk for folic acid deficiency?
Oral contraceptives, anticonvulsants, and methotrexate
Rationale:
These medications interfere with folate metabolism, increasing the risk for folic acid deficiency and macrocytic anemia.
- Iron will turn stools a dark green color and may cause constipation or a metallic taste.
A nurse assessing a child with sickle cell disease who has an enlarged spleen should immediately assess these vital signs.
Heart rate and blood pressure because splenic sequestration can rapidly lead to hypovolemic shock with tachycardia and hypotension.