A. Four main types of anemia are:
Iron deficiency anemia. This most common type
of anemia is caused by a shortage of iron in your body.
Our bone marrow needs iron to make hemoglobin and
Without adequate iron, your body can't produce enough hemoglobin
for red blood cells.
Aplastic anemia. This rare, life-threatening
anemia occurs when your body doesn't produce enough red blood
cells.
Causes of aplastic anemia include infections, certain medicines,
autoimmune diseases and exposure to toxic chemicals.
Hemolytic anemias. This
anemia develops when red blood cells are destroyed
faster than bone marrow can replace them. Certain blood diseases
increase red blood cell destruction.
Vitamin deficiency anemia or perinicious anemia:
our body needs folate and vitamin B-12 to produce enough
healthy red blood cells. A diet lacking in these and other
nutrients can cause decreased red blood cell production.
B.
- Verify doctor’s order. Inform the client and explain the
purpose of the procedure.
- Check for cross matching and typing. To ensure
compatibility
- Obtain and record baseline vital signs
- Practice strict asepsis
- before transfusion 2 licenced nurses Check the following:
- Serial number
- Blood component
- Blood type
- Rh factor
- Expiration date
- Screening test (VDRL, HBsAg, malarial smear) – this is to
ensure that the blood is free from blood-carried diseases and
therefore, safe from transfusion.
- Warm blood at room temperature before transfusion to prevent
chills.
- Identify client properly. Two Nurses check the client’s
identification.
- Use needle gauge 18 to 19 to allow easy flow of blood.
- Start infusion slowly at 10 gtts/min. Remain at bedside for 15
to 30 minutes
- Monitor vital signs. Altered vital signs indicate adverse
reaction (increase in temp, increase in respiratory rate)
- Do not mix medications with blood transfusion to prevent
adverse effects and Do not incorporate medication into the blood
transfusion.
- Administer 0.9% NaCl before; during or after Blood
transfusions. Never administer IV fluids with dextrose because
Dextrose based IV fluids cause hemolysis.
- Administer blood transfusion for 4 hours (whole blood, packed
RBC)and For plasma, platelets, cryoprecipitate, transfuse quickly
(20 minutes)because clotting factor can easily be destroyed.
- Observe for potential complications and Notify doctor.
C. Nursing management is :
- Assess vital signs, especially blood pressure because an
elevated blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg and above would show
hypertension.
- Assess patient for the presence of edema on the face, fingers,
and upper extremities.
- Promote bed rest in a recumbent position to facilitate in the
secretion of sodium.
- Promote good nutrition.
- Provide emotional support to establish a trusting relationship
and let the woman voice out her fears.
D.
- Take your blood pressure medicine exactly as directedand Don't
skip doses.
- If you do miss a dose (or doses) check with your doctor.
- Don't take medicines that contain heart stimulants, including
over-the-counter medicines.
- Stay at a healthy weight.
- Limit back on salt by avoiding: canned, dried, packaged, and
fast foods and Don't add salt to your food at the table.
- Follow the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension)
eating plan. This plan recommends vegetables, fruits, whole gains,
and other heart healthy foods.
- Eat food rich in potassium.
- Break the smoking habit.
- Limit drinks that contain caffeine such as coffee, black or
green tea, and cola to 2 per day.
- Never take stimulants such as amphetamines or cocaine. These
drugs can be deadly for someone with high blood pressure.
- Control your stress.