Anemia

Anemia, its causes and magement

1. ANEMIA MWEMA JOHN KASSIM MOH’D

2. ANEMIA Definitions:- Anemia is the decrease in total amounts of RBCs Anemia is decreased hemoglobin in the blood. (<13.5 g/100ml) Anemia is the lowered ability of the blood to carry oxygen.

3. ETIOLOGY Decreased production of RBCs Increase in loss or destruction of RBCs

4. TYPES OF ANEMIA AND THEIR CAUSES. Iron deficiency anemia- lack of iron in hemoglobin which is an important component in it leads to iron deficiency anemia. It may be due to chronic blood loss, recurring/ongoing bleeding. Aplastic anemia- complete bone marrow failure leading to reduced production of blood cells. May be caused by cancer treatment, chronic exposure to toxic chemicals etc Pernicious anemia- deficiency in vitamin B12. happens to people who are unable to absorb vit B12. Hemolytic anemia- rupture and destruction of RBCs due to antibodies clinging on to the surfaces of RBCS.

5. Cont…… Sickle cell anemia- genetic disease of RBCs . This results to RBCs presenting with an abnormal crescent shape resembling a sickle. This makes them sticky and rigid and prone to getting trapped in small vessels. Megaloblastic anemia- blood disorder marked by appearance of very large RBCs crowding out the healthy ones.

6. Clinical manifestation

7. Diagnosis of anemia Medical history Family history Physical examination Complete blood cell count (RBCs, hamatocrit , Hb , WBCs, differential blood count, platelet count). Hemoglobin electrophoresis- looks for different types of hemoglobin. Reticulocyte count. Test for levels of iron .

8. Medical management. The purpose of establishing the etiology/the underlying cause of anemia is to permit selection of a specific and effective therapy. Treatment of anemia involves dealing with the causative agent. Transfusions – packed red blood cells for PTs with active bleeding. Iron supplementation- oral administration of ferrous sulfate 65mg TDS. Nutritional therapy and dietary considerations. Electrolyte supplementation- serum potassium levels may fall during therapy for severe folate deficiency and can lead to sudden death. Therefore potassium supplements are essential. (Potassium chloride) K-Tab.

9. Complications Anemia has general complications and this includes: Heart failure . As the heart compensates by pumping faster than the normal rate, the heart muscles gradually weaken until the muscles wear out and the heart fails to function. Paresthesias . Paresthesias develop when the muscles do not have enough oxygen delivered to them. Delirium . Insufficient oxygen in the  brain  results in delirium and is considered a fatal complication of anemia.

10. NURSING MANAGEMENT Assessment :- health history and physical exam, medical history – some medications can depress bone marrow activity, history of alcoholism, family history, nutritional assessment . Nursing dx - fatigue rt to hemoglobin and diminished oxygen carrying capacity of the blood as evidenced by patient exhibiting weakness. Also, altered nutrition less than body requirements rt to inadequate intake of essential nutrients as evidenced by low levels of feritin . PLANNING AND GOALS- Pt to exhibit decreased fatigue, attainment and maintenance of adequate nutrition within hospital stay .

11. Nursing interventions prioritize activities by assisting the pt in prioritizing activity to establish balance between activity and rest Help the pt to maintain some physical activity and exercise to prevent deconditioning from inactivity. Encourage the patient on taking healthy diet packed with essential nutrients. Advice about alcohol intake and its interference with the utilization of nutrients.