NR 324 – Red Blood Cell & Anemia Disorders Vocabulary

Thirty vocabulary flashcards covering etiologies, diagnostics, manifestations, and treatments of major red blood cell and anemia disorders discussed in NR 324.

Anemia

A condition marked by a decreased number of red blood cells or hemoglobin, resulting in reduced oxygen delivery to tissues.

General Clinical Manifestations of Anemia

Fatigue, pallor, shortness of breath, dizziness, rapid heart rate, and cold extremities.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Lab test that measures hemoglobin, hematocrit, red and white blood cell counts, and platelets; primary screening tool for anemia.

Reticulocyte Count

Percentage of immature red blood cells in blood; indicates bone-marrow response to anemia.

Chronic Blood Loss Anemia

Anemia caused by ongoing bleeding such as GI hemorrhage or heavy menstruation, leading to gradual RBC depletion.

Iron-Deficiency Anemia

Anemia resulting from insufficient iron for hemoglobin synthesis; often due to poor diet, chronic bleeding, or malabsorption.

Glossitis

Inflamed, sore tongue often seen in iron-deficiency or vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.

Pica

Craving and eating of non-food substances (e.g., ice, clay) associated with iron-deficiency anemia.

Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC)

Laboratory measure of the blood’s capacity to bind iron with transferrin; elevated in iron-deficiency anemia.

Thalassemia

Inherited disorder causing reduced or absent production of α or β hemoglobin chains, leading to microcytic anemia.

Hemoglobin Electrophoresis

Diagnostic test that separates hemoglobin types; identifies abnormal variants like HbS or thalassemia patterns.

Chelation Therapy

Medication regimen (e.g., deferoxamine) used to remove excess iron accumulated from frequent transfusions.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency (Megaloblastic Anemia)

Anemia characterized by large, immature RBCs due to impaired DNA synthesis from lack of vitamin B12.

Pernicious Anemia

Autoimmune form of B12 deficiency caused by loss of intrinsic factor necessary for B12 absorption.

Neurological Symptoms of B12 Deficiency

Tingling, numbness, confusion, and gait disturbances that may become irreversible if untreated.

Folic Acid Deficiency

Macrocytic anemia from inadequate folate intake or absorption; lacks the neurologic signs of B12 deficiency.

Pancytopenia

Simultaneous reduction in red cells, white cells, and platelets, commonly seen in aplastic anemia.

Aplastic Anemia

Bone-marrow failure resulting in pancytopenia; can be idiopathic, autoimmune, or toxin-induced.

Sickle Cell Disease

Genetic disorder producing abnormal HbS, causing RBCs to sickle, leading to pain crises and hemolysis.

Vaso-occlusive Crisis

Painful episode in sickle cell disease when sickled cells block microcirculation, causing ischemic pain.

Hydroxyurea

Medication that increases fetal hemoglobin, reducing sickling episodes in sickle cell and polycythemia patients.

Hemolytic Anemia

Group of anemias where RBCs are destroyed faster than produced; can be autoimmune, infectious, or hereditary.

Direct Coombs Test

Lab test detecting antibodies or complement on RBC surfaces, confirming immune-mediated hemolysis.

Polycythemia Vera

Primary bone-marrow disorder causing excessive RBC production, leading to hyperviscosity and thrombosis risk.

Therapeutic Phlebotomy

Procedure of removing blood to decrease hematocrit and viscosity in polycythemia patients.

High-Altitude Secondary Polycythemia

Adaptive increase in RBC production due to chronic hypoxia experienced at high elevations.

Bone Marrow Transplant

Curative therapy replacing diseased marrow in conditions like severe thalassemia, aplastic anemia, or sickle cell disease.

Intrinsic Factor Antibodies

Autoantibodies that block or destroy intrinsic factor, preventing B12 absorption in pernicious anemia.

Serum Ferritin

Protein that stores iron; low levels indicate depleted iron stores in iron-deficiency anemia.

Iron Overload

Excess iron accumulation, often from repeated transfusions in thalassemia, requiring chelation to prevent organ damage.