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CHAPTER 4 Hematologic System
The liver is found in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen and is the main
production site for many of the clotting factors, including prothrombin. Normal
liver function is important for vitamin K production in the intestinal tract. Vitamin
K is necessary for clotting factors VII, IX, X, and prothrombin.
Just the Facts
Anemia
WHAT WENT WRONG?
A low hemoglobin or red blood cell (RBC) count results in decreased oxygen-
carrying capability of the blood. This may be due to blood loss, damage to the red
blood cells due to altered hemoglobin or destruction (hemolysis), nutritional defi-
ciency (iron, vitamin B
12
, folic acid), lack of RBC production, or bone marrow
failure. Some patients have a family history of anemia due to genetic transmission,
such as thalassemia or sickle cell.
PROGNOSIS
Anemia is a symptom of something else happening. The cause of the anemia needs
to be determined in order to correct the anemia and its symptoms.
HALLMARK SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
•
Fatigue due to hypoxia from less oxygen being available to the tissues of
the body
•
Weakness due to hypoxia
•
Pallor due to less oxygen being available to the surface tissues
•
Tachycardia as the body attempts to compensate for less available oxygen by
beating more rapidly to increase blood supply
•
Systolic murmur due to increased turbulence of blood flow
•
Dyspnea or shortness of breath due to hypoxia as body attempts to get more
oxygen
•
Angina as the myocardium is not getting enough oxygen
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