Pathophysiology Final Exam Guide Q & A ACTUAL
EXAM 2025/2026 EXPERT VERIFIED QUESTIONS
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Terms in this set (128)
A condition in which the blood is deficient in red
blood cells, in hemoglobin, or in total volume. (Hgb
and HCT)
anemia can be blood loss, destruction (hemolysis, sickle cell
disease, some meds, blood mismatch, trauma) ,or
decreased production of RBCs (iron deficiency,
kidney disease)
Characterized by red cells that are relatively normal in
size and hemoglobin content but insufficient in
number
normocytic
- caused by acute blood loss, CKD, hemolysis, sickle
normochromic anemia
cell
MCH is size (mean corpuscular hemoglobin) MCV is
color (mean corpuscular volume)
anemia characterized by small, pale red blood cells
microcytic hypochromic that lack adequate hemoglobin to carry oxygen; can
anemia be caused by deficiency of iron or vitamin B6
low MCH and MCV
, - large cells (megaloblastic), normal color
- usually folic acid or vitamin B12 deficiency anemia,
macrocytic normochromic
liver disease
anemia
- pernicious anemia
- MCH and MCV high
weakness, fatigue, pallor, syncope, dyspnea,
anemia manifestations tachycardia and murmurs from low blood viscosity,
integumentary changes- pruritus pallor and jaundice
Mild: Hemoglobin 10-12 (tired, pale nails and MM)
Moderate/Severe: Hemoglobin BELOW 6g/dl is
Anemia manifestations severe, 7-10 is moderate (more stuggish, chest pain,
eyes look pale)
between 12-16 is normal
Result from additional attempts by heart and lungs to
provide adequate O2 to the tissues
Anemia: Cardiopulmonary
Cardiac output maintained by increasing the heart
Manifestations
rate and stroke volume
low blood viscosity leads to murmur
Gerontologic more common, s/s not recognized bc similar to
Considerations normal aging
iron deficiency (tired and pale, ischemia)
decreased erythrocyte megaloblastic (b12 deficiency, folic acid def.) -
production neuropathy, tingling around mouth/hands/face/LE's,
early graying of the hair w folic acid def.
, decreased Hbg and Hct, MCV low, iron low
normal b12 and folate
treat underlying cause- lots of GI bleeds
iron replacement- good nutrition, blood transfusion
of packed RBCs, meds
iron supplements- best absorbed before meals on
iron deficiency
empty stomach, liquid iron stains teeth so use straw
and dilute, take w vitamin c, can cause constipation,
heartburn or diarrhea
parental iron- IV or IM- im may stain skin, indicated for
malabsorption or oral intolerance, higher dose, poor
pt compliance w oral
-Found in strict vegetarians - gastric system missing
protein needed for absorption
-Pernicious anemia (weakness, sore tongue, apathy)-
gastric mucosa not secreting intrinsic factor in gut
can be GI alterations like surgery and chronic disease,
chronic alcoholics, h12 blockers and ppi long term use
Cobalamin (B12)
bc decreased acid and causes issues w absorption
deficiency
s/s: beefy red tongue, n/v, abd pain, weakness,
parethesia, confusion, decreased senses, ataxia
- treatment: cobalamin parental or intranasal, lifelong
if no gi absorption, neuromuscular may not improve,
b12 supplement may help a little bit but maybe not if
absorption problems, b12 injections
Macrocytic, megaloblastic anemia; no neurologic Sx
(as opposed to vitamin B12 deficiency). Most common
vitamin deficiency in the USA. Seen in alcoholism and
pregnancy.
Folic acid deficiency
commonly caused by dietary deficiency and
malabsorption, drugs, increased requirement, alcohol
abuse, anorexia, hemodialysis loss
treat w folic acid supplement and diet rich in folic acid