Types of Anemia

Discussion 2: Types of Anemia

In clinical settings, patients often present with many different types of anemia. Each type of anemia has its own causes and implications. For this reason, you must be able to differentiate between types of anemia as well as identify factors that put patients at greater risk of experiencing related complications. As you prepare for this Discussion, consider the following patient case studies:

Case Study 1

An 82-year-old female presents to the office complaining of fatigue, dizziness, weakness, and increasing dyspnea on exertion. She has a past medical history of atrial fibrillation, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Medications include warfarin 2 milligrams po daily, lisinopril 10 milligrams po daily, and simvastatin 10 milligrams po daily. There are no known drug allergies. The physical exam reveals a 5’2” older female. Her weight is 128 pounds, blood pressure is 144/80, heart rate is 98, temperature is 98 degrees Fahrenheit, and O2 saturation is 98%. Further examination reveals the following:

Eyes: + pallor conjunctiva

Cardiac: irregular rhythm. No S3 S4 or M. NO JVD

Lungs: CTA w/o rales, wheezes, or rhonchi

Abdomen: soft, BS +, + epigastric tenderness. No organomegaly, rebound, or guarding

Rectal: no stool in rectal vault