Adult anemia: determine clinical significance

Nurse Pract. 2002 Mar;27(3):38-40, 42-5, 49 passim; quiz 54-5. doi: 10.1097/00006205-200203000-00007.

Abstract

Severity of adult anemia does not reliably indicate its origin or clinical significance. Causes range from dietary insufficiency to occult bleeding and from chronic disease processes to hemolysis. NPs can identify the different types of anemia with a thorough history, physical examination, and appropriate laboratory testing.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anemia / diagnosis*
  • Anemia / etiology
  • Anemia, Hemolytic / diagnosis
  • Clinical Laboratory Techniques
  • Folic Acid Deficiency
  • Humans
  • Nursing Diagnosis
  • Physical Examination
  • Thalassemia / diagnosis
  • Vitamin B 12 Deficiency / diagnosis