Hemolytic Anemia

What is hemolytic anemia?

A condition where red blood cells (RBCs) are destroyed faster than they are produced.

What are the two main classifications of hemolytic anemia?

Inherited and Acquired.

What are the subcategories of acquired hemolytic anemia?

Immune and Non-Immune.

What is an intrinsic RBC defect?

A defect present from birth, leading to inherited hemolytic anemia.

Name one inherited membrane defect causing hemolytic anemia.

Hereditary spherocytosis.

What is G6PD deficiency?

An inherited enzyme defect that can lead to hemolytic anemia.

What is the primary focus of nursing care for inherited hemolytic anemia?

Genetic counseling and lifelong management.

What characterizes acquired immune hemolytic anemia?

Normal RBCs are destroyed by the immune system.

What is the main nursing focus for patients with acquired immune hemolytic anemia?

Monitoring immunosuppressive therapy and safe blood product administration.

What are some causes of acquired non-immune hemolytic anemia?

Mechanical damage, infections, and toxic substances.

What is the central question in managing hemolytic anemia?

Why are the RBCs being destroyed?

What is the difference between warm and cold autoimmune hemolytic anemia?

Warm AIHA is IgG-mediated at body temperature; Cold AIHA is IgM-mediated at cold temperatures.

What is the typical treatment for warm AIHA?

Corticosteroids.

What are common clinical features of cold AIHA?

Anemia symptoms plus acrocyanosis and Raynaud-like symptoms.

What is the first-line treatment for cold AIHA?

Cold avoidance.

What shared lab findings are seen in both types of autoimmune hemolytic anemia?

Increased reticulocyte count, indirect bilirubin, LDH, and decreased haptoglobin.

What does a positive Coombs test indicate?

The presence of antibodies on RBCs, indicating hemolysis.

What is the nursing priority for patients with warm AIHA?

Monitor for steroid side effects and educate on vaccination post-splenectomy.

What is a key differentiator for NCLEX regarding warm AIHA?

IgG-mediated hemolysis primarily occurring in the spleen.

What is a key differentiator for NCLEX regarding cold AIHA?

IgM-mediated hemolysis occurring at cold temperatures, often associated with Mycoplasma.

What is the significance of schistocytes on a blood smear?

They indicate mechanical damage to RBCs, often seen in acquired non-immune hemolytic anemia.

What should be monitored in patients with acquired non-immune hemolytic anemia?

Monitor for organ damage and treat the underlying cause.

What is the role of splenectomy in hereditary spherocytosis?

It is often necessary for crisis prevention and management.

What is a common association with warm AIHA?

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

What is a common association with cold AIHA?

Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection.