Archive:Anemia

Initial Assessment

1. Is the patient anemic?

Hgb < 115 in females, < 125 in males

2. Is this anemia acute or chronic? 3. Is this dilutional anemia? (hematocrit) 4. What is the size of the RBC? (MCV) 5. Is body appropriately responding? (reticulocyte count) 6. What does the peripheral blood smear show?

MCV < 80

(hypochromic)

normocytic (normochromic)

low reticulocytes

normocytic

high reticulocytes

MCV > 100

Fe deficiency

ACD

blood loss

chronic liver disease thalassemia trait liver disease hemolysis megaloblastic

marrow failure (pancytopenia) myelodysplasia leukemia alcohol myeloma hypothyroidism mets infection

lead overload

renal failure (uremia) B12 lack sideroblastic endocrine (thyroid) folate lack ACD hematinic lack drugs }