Patho Exam 2 Study Guide

Exam 2 Study Guide Ch. 3 Anemia • Results from decreased number of erythrocytes, reduction of hemoglobin, or abnormal hemoglobin • Decreases O2 carrying capacity, leading to tissue hypoxia • Several types with varying etiology • General manifestations: weakness, fatigue, pallor, syncope, dyspnea, and tachycardia Pernicious anemia/B12 Deficiency • Vit B12 deficiency usually caused by a lack of intrinsic factor • Causes: autoimmune • Vit B12 is required for DNA synthesis • Leads to decreased maturation & cell division • May see myelin breakdown & neurological complications • Manifestations: bleeding gums, diarrhea, impaired smell, loss of deep tendon reflexes, anorexia, personality or memory changes, positive Babinski’s sign, stomatitis, paresthesia, and unsteady gait • Diagnosis: serum B12 levels, Schilling’s test, complete blood count, gastric analysis, and bone marrow biopsy • Treatment: injectable B12