2. INTRODUCTION
Anaemia is derived from the Greek word meaning ‘without
blood’ and refers to a reduction in the number of RBCs and/or
the haemoglobin level. Anaemia is not a disease but a
laboratory term used to describe this altered physiological
state, and is defined as occurring when the haemoglobin level
is less than 13.5 g/dL in males or 11.5 g/dL in females.
3. DEFINITION
“Anaemia, a condition in which the haemoglobin
concentration is lower than normal, reflects the
presence of fewer than normal RBCs within the
circulation. As a result, the amount of oxygen
delivered to body tissues is also diminished.”
7. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Hypo-proliferative Anaemia:
Decreased erythrocyte production: There is decreased erythrocyte
production, reflected by an inappropriately normal or low reticulocyte
count.
Marrow damage: As a result of marrow damage, inadequate
production of erythrocyte occurs due to the medications or chemicals
or from a lack of factors.
8. CONTD……
Due to etiological factors
Premature destruction of erythrocytes
Conversion of haemoglobin into high concentration of bilirubin
Decrease production of erythropoietin
Reflect in an increasing reticulocyte count
Haemolysis
9.
10. DIAGNOSTIC FINDINGS
Blood studies: In an initial evaluation, the haemoglobin, haematocrit,
reticulocyte count, and RBC indices, particularly the mean
corpuscular volume and red cell distribution width are taken to assess
for the presence of anaemia.
Iron studies: Serum iron level, total iron binding capacity, percent
saturation, and ferritin, as well as serum vitamin B12 and folate
levels, are all useful in diagnosing anaemia.
CBC values: The remaining CBC values are useful in determining
whether the anaemia is an isolated problem or part of another
hematologic condition.
12. PREVENTIONS
Diet rich in iron: Ingestion of iron-rich foods could
help prevent anaemia because it adds to the
haemoglobin in the body.
Iron supplements: Iron supplements can also be
taken to increase the haemoglobin levels in the body.
13. MEDICAL MANAGEMENT
Intravenous fluids: Intravenous fluids replace the lost volumes of
blood or electrolytes to restore them to normal levels.
Nutritional supplements: Use of nutritional supplements should be
appropriately taught to the patient and the family because too much
intake cannot improve anaemia.
Blood transfusion: Patients with acute blood loss or severe
haemolysis may have decreased tissue perfusion from decreased
blood volume or reduced circulating erythrocytes, so transfusion of
blood would be necessary.
14. NURSING MANAGEMENT
NURSING DIAGNOSIS: Based on the assessment data, major nursing
diagnosis for patients with anaemia include:
1. Fatigue related to decreased haemoglobin and diminished oxygen-carrying
capacity of the blood.
2. Altered nutrition, less than body requirements, related to inadequate intake
of essential nutrients.
3. Altered tissue perfusion related to insufficient haemoglobin and haematocrit.