KAAP310 Exam 1 - Blood Typing, Hematocrit, Blood Pressure

What determines blood type?

Presence or absence of A and B antigens on RBCs.

What are the four ABO blood types?

A, B, AB, and O.

Which antibodies does blood type A produce?

Anti-B antibodies.

Which antibodies does each blood type B produce?

Anti-A antibodies.

Which antibodies does each blood type AB produce?

No antibodies (universal recipient).

Which antibodies does each blood type O produce?

Anti-A & Anti-B antibodies (universal donor).

What is the Rh factor?

Presence (+) or absence (-) of the Rh (D) antigen on RBCs.

Why does agglutination occur?

When antibodies bind to incompatible RBC antigens, causing clumping.

What is hematocrit?

Percentage of blood volume occupied by RBCs.

What is the normal hematocrit range?

Males: 42-52% ; Females: 37-48%.

What is the normal RBC count?

Males: 4.6-6.2 million/µL ; Females: 4.2-5.4 million/µL.

What are normal hemoglobin levels?

Males: 13-18 g/dL ; Females: 12-16 g/dL.

What is the main function of RBCs?

Transport oxygen (O₂) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) via hemoglobin.

What is erythropoiesis?

The production of RBCs in red bone marrow, stimulated by erythropoietin (EPO).

What are the key steps in RBC production?

1. Kidneys detect low O2 and release EPO.

2. EPO stimulates RBC production in the bone marrow.

3. New RBCs mature and enter the bloodstream.

4. O2 levels rise, and EPO production decreases.

How does the body correct hypoxemia (low O₂)?

1. Low O2 detected (blood loss, high altitude, exercise, lung disease).

2. Kidneys release EPO.

3. EPO stimulates RBC production.

4. More RBCs → More oxygen transport → Homeostasis restored.

What is polycythemia?

Excess RBC production leading to thickened blood and increased risk of stroke/heart attack.

What are the two types of polycythemia?

Primary (Polycythemia Vera): Bone marrow cancer, RBCs up to 11 million/µL.

Secondary: Caused by dehydration, high altitude, lung disease, or excess EPO (RBCs up to 8 million/µL).

What is anemia?

A condition with low RBC count or low hemoglobin.

What are the three main causes of anemia?

Hemorrhagic Anemia

Hemolytic Anemia

Inadequate RBC Production

What causes anemia due to inadequate RBC or hemoglobin production?

Iron-deficiency anemia: Low iron leads to insufficient hemoglobin.

Pernicious anemia: Vitamin B12 absorption issue due to autoimmune attack.

Aplastic anemia: Complete failure of bone marrow to produce RBCs.

What is hemorrhagic anemia?

Anemia caused by blood loss.

What causes hemorrhagic anemia?

Acute: Trauma, injury.

Chronic: Ulcers, heavy menstruation

What is hemolytic anemia?

Anemia caused by excessive RBC destruction.

What causes hemolytic anemia?

Sickle cell disease, thalassemia, autoimmune conditions

What is Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn (HDN) and why does it occur?

Occurs when an Rh- mother has an Rh+ baby, leading to maternal antibody attack in future pregnancies.

How is HDN prevented?

Rhogam injections.

What are the effects of anemia?

Tissue hypoxia → Fatigue, shortness of breath.

Low blood viscosity → Increased heart strain.

What is blood pressure?

The force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels, measured in mmHg.

What is the difference between systolic and diastolic pressure?

Systolic (Top Number): Pressure when the heart contracts

Diastolic (Bottom Number): Pressure when the heart relaxes

What is considered normal blood pressure?

~120/80 mmHg (varies slightly with age and health).

How does body position affect BP?

Supine (Lying Down): BP is slightly higher due to increased venous return.

Sitting: BP is slightly lower than supine.

Standing: BP drops briefly, then increases as the body compensates.

What is orthostatic hypotension?

A temporary BP drop when standing quickly, causing dizziness

How does exercise affect BP immediately?

Systolic BP increases (due to higher cardiac output).

Diastolic BP stays the same or slightly decreases (due to vasodilation).

How does regular exercise affect BP over time?

It can lower resting BP by improving heart efficiency and reducing vascular resistance.

Why does systolic BP rise with exercise?

Increased cardiac output pumps more blood to muscles, requiring more pressure.