Anemia caused by blood loss (Acute and Chronic)

Anemia resulting from blood loss may be caused by either acute or chronic problems
- Acute blood loss occurs as a result of sudden hemorrhage
- Sources of chronic blood loss are similar to those of iron-deficiency anemia
Acute blood loss
- Causes of sudden hemorrhage
  - Trauma
  - Complications of surgery
  - Conditions or diseases that disrupt vascular integrity
    - Hypovolemic shock
    - Compensatory increased plasma volume with diminished O2 -carrying RBCs
- Clinical manifestations
  - Pain
    - Internal hemorrhage
      - Tissue distention, organ displacement, nerve compression
    - Retroperitoneal bleeding
      - Numbness
      - Pain in lower extremities
  - Shock is major complication
- Diagnostic studies
  - With sudden blood volume loss, values may seem normal or high for 2 to 3 days
  - Once plasma volume is replaced, low RBC concentrations become evident
    - Low RBC, Hgb, and Hct levels show up and reflect actual blood loss
- Interprofessional care
  - Replacing blood volume to prevent shock
  - Identifying source of hemorrhage and stopping blood loss
  - Correcting RBC loss
  - Providing supplemental iron
  - May be impossible to prevent if caused by trauma
  - Postoperative patients
    - Monitor blood loss
    - Administer blood products for anemia
  - No need for long-term treatment
- Hemolytic Anemia
  - General manifestations of anemia
  - Specific manifestations including
    - Jaundice
    - Enlargement of the spleen and liver
  - Maintenance of renal function is a major focus of treatment

Cold Versus Flu

For Everyone AUG. 8, 2024 ESPAÑOL PURPOSE Influenza (flu) and the common cold are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses.

Ebola Disease Basics

For Everyone JUNE 2, 2026 ESPAÑOL KEY POINTS Ebola disease is caused by an infection with an orthoebolavirus. Orthoebolaviruses are found primarily in sub-Saharan Africa.