Adventures in Anemia
This type of anemia is most commonly caused by iron deficiency and presents with low MCV.
What is microcytic anemia?
Anemia in which the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is less than 80, meaning small red blood cells are produced and lack oxygen-carrying capacity. Common causes include iron deficiency anemia and thalassemia.
This lab test measures the percentage of red blood cells in whole blood.
What is hematocrit?
The primary function of red blood cells is to transport this.
What is oxygen?
The priority nursing action for a patient with severe anemia and dyspnea.
What is assessing oxygenation and administering oxygen as needed?
Verification of the patient's identity and blood compatibility must be performed by two of these medical professionals before initiating a blood transfusion.
What are two registered nurses?
Iron deficiency anemia is associated with craving non‑nutritive substances such as ice or clay.
What is pica?
This lab value reflects the oxygen‑carrying capacity of the blood.
What is hemoglobin?
These cells are responsible for initial defense against bacterial infection.
What are white blood cells?
This precaution is required when the ANC is less than 500.
What are neutropenic precautions?
The most common early sign of a transfusion reaction.
What is fever and/or chills?
This type of anemia is commonly seen with acute blood loss or chronic disease and has a normal MCV.
What is normocytic anemia?
In this type of anemia, MCV is within normal range (80-100).
This test is used to evaluate bone marrow response to anemia.
What is reticulocyte count?
A platelet count below this level significantly increases bleeding risk.
What is 50,000?
They may look pretty, but patients on neutropenic precautions should not have these in their room.
What are fresh flowers?
If a transfusion reaction is suspected, this is the nurse’s first action.
What is stopping the transfusion immediately?
A patient with vitamin B12 or folate deficiency would most likely have this type of anemia.
What is macrocytic anemia?
In macrocytic anemia, MCV is greater than 100.
Low levels of this lab value places the patient at highest risk for infection.
What is white blood cell count (neutrophils)?
Just to make things confusing, white blood cells and platelets are also known by these names
What are leukocytes and thrombocytes?
Of using a safety razor or avoiding undercooked meats, this nursing education is most appropriate for a patient with thrombocytopenia.
What is using a safety razor (bleeding precautions)?
This type of precaution includes using electric razors and avoiding aspirin.
What are bleeding precautions?
The nurse is caring for a patient with fatigue, pallor, and activity intolerance; the nurse suspects this type of anemia
What is iron deficiency anemia?
This lab test measures the clotting ability of blood.
What is INR (International Normalized Ratio)?
The INR is a laboratory test that evaluates the clotting ability of blood. In the diagnostic profile for bleeding disorders, an elevated INR (along with ↑ PT/PTT) is a key finding that signals a higher risk for bleeding.
This lab abnormality places a patient at risk for spontaneous bleeding.
What is thrombocytopenia?
The priority nursing assessment for a patient with suspected internal bleeding.
What is monitoring vital signs for hypotension and tachycardia?
Packed red blood cells are primarily administered to treat this condition.
What is symptomatic anemia?