K.N.O.W. Home Health

VIEW/PRINT GENERAL ANEMIA EDUATION

VIEW/PRINT GENERAL ANEMIA ANSWER KEY

ANEMIA GENERAL INFORMATION

Understanding anemia in general:

What is anemia?

Anemia is when your body does not have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to your tissues.

This leads to less oxygen being delivered throughout your body.

This can make you feel tired, weak, or short of breath.

What causes anemia?

There are many causes of anemia such as:

Blood loss

From injuries, surgeries, ulcers, heavy. Or internal bladen.

From lack of nutrients, not enough iron, vitamin b12, or folic acid in your diet or problems absorbing them.

Bone marrow issues because red blood cells are made in the bone marrow. Can be caused by some cancers, infections, medications that are affecting the bone marrow.

Chronic diseases such as kidney disease, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis can reduce red blood cell production.

Inherited conditions such as sickle cell anemia or thalassemia, which affect how red blood cells are formed

Why is anemia a problem?

Because your body tissues require oxygen to work properly, anemia can cause

Extreme fatigue

Weakness

Dizziness or lightheadedness

Shortness of breath

Pale skin

Fast or regular heartbeat

Chest pain

Cold hands and feet

In severe cases heart problems or organ damage can occur if left untreated.

Key takeaways:

Anemia is not a disease itself, but is a sign that something is wrong with your body.

It could be mild or severe, temporary or long-term, depending on the cause.

Treatment depends on the type and cause of anemia.

Specific types of anemia education is located under the anemia module.

PATIENT HOMEWORK and ASSESSMENT

Place the letter T in the provided blank if the statement is true. Place the letter F in the blank if the statement is false.

1.______anemia means there are too many red blood cells in the body

2.______anemia can cause you to feel tired or weak

3.______blood loss is one possible cause of anemia

4._____your body tissues do not need oxygen to function properly

5._____the lack of iron, vitamin b12, or folic acid can cause anemia

6.______anemia only occurs if you lose a lot of blood at one time.

7._____chronic kidney disease can lead to anemia

8.______bone marrow is where blood cells are made

9.______anemia is always a disease by itself.

10.______people with anemia may have cold hands and feet

11._______shortness of breath can be a symptom of anemia.

12._______inherited conditions like sickle cell anemia can cause anemia

13._______anemia can cause your heart to work harder

14.______treatment for anemia is always the same, no matter what type it is.

15.______anemia means your red blood cells cannot carry enough oxygen.

16._______chest pain can be a sign of severe anemia

17._____anemia can be temporary or long-term.

18.______all anemia is caused by problems with the bone marrow

19.______pale skin can occur with anemia.

20.______anemia can lead to organ damage if left untreated

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

“Do you remember what your last hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were, and how they compare to normal values?”

“What symptoms do you notice when your anemia gets worse, such as fatigue, dizziness, or shortness of breath?”

“What foods or supplements do you take to help improve your anemia, and how often do you take them?”

“If you feel unusually tired, dizzy, or notice paleness, what steps should you take and who should you contact?”