Anemia Types & Labs
Q: What are common symptoms of anemia?
A: Fatigue, pallor, tachycardia, shortness of breath.
Q: What care is needed after bone marrow biopsy?
A: Monitor for bleeding, keep site clean and dry.
Q: What is thrombocytopenia?
A: Platelet count below 150,000/mm³.
Q: When is a transfusion indicated?
A: Hemoglobin <7 or <8 with symptoms.
Q: What are risk factors for lung cancer?
A: Smoking, radon, asbestos, pollution.
Q: What lab values are decreased in anemia?
A: Hemoglobin, hematocrit, RBC count.
Q: How is iron deficiency anemia treated?
A: Oral/IV iron and dietary changes.
Q: Why is a count below 20,000 concerning?
A: Risk for spontaneous bleeding.
Q: What indicates transfusion effectiveness?
A: Improved hemoglobin and reduced fatigue.
Q: What distinguishes Stage I from Stage IV lung cancer?
A: Stage I is localized; Stage IV has metastasis.
Q: How do acute and chronic anemia differ?
A: Acute: sudden, shock-like symptoms. Chronic: gradual fatigue.
Q: What are side effects of oral iron?
A: Constipation, dark stools, nausea.
Q: Name two nursing bleeding precautions.
A: Soft toothbrush, avoid razors and injections.
Q: What are signs of a febrile reaction?
A: Fever and chills.
Q: What are red flag symptoms of lung cancer?
A: Hemoptysis, weight loss, hoarseness.
Q: What does low vs. high MCV indicate?
A: Low: iron deficiency. High: B12 deficiency.
Q: What foods are high in iron?
A: Red meat, spinach, legumes, fortified cereals.
Q: What causes petechiae or ecchymosis?
A: Capillary bleeding from low platelets.
Q: What should the nurse do during a reaction?
A: Stop transfusion, start saline, notify provider.
Q: What is targeted therapy?
A: Drugs that block cancer growth using specific targets.
Q: What are the 3 main causes of anemia?
A: Blood loss, decreased production, increased destruction.
Q: Why does pernicious anemia need lifelong B12 injections?
A: Lack of intrinsic factor prevents oral B12 absorption.
Q: What drugs should patients on bleeding precautions avoid?
A: NSAIDs and aspirin.
Q: What is a hemolytic reaction?
A: Destruction of RBCs—presents with back pain, dark urine.
Q: How does pleural effusion differ from pleuritis?
A: Effusion: fluid buildup; Pleuritis: inflammation.