A nurse is teaching a group of clients about different types of anemia.
Select all the types of anemia that are characterized by RBCs that are smaller than normal.

Choice A rationale:

Iron deficiency Iron deficiency anemia is characterized by a decrease in the body's iron stores, which results in reduced hemoglobin synthesis and decreased oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells (RBCs)

This condition is typically caused by insufficient dietary iron intake, malabsorption of iron, or blood loss, but it does not involve increased RBC destruction.

Therefore, iron deficiency is not the correct choice for the cause of anemia in this client.

Choice B rationale:

Vitamin B12 deficiency Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to a type of anemia known as megaloblastic anemia, which is characterized by larger-than-normal RBCs and inadequate hemoglobin production.

However, this condition is not typically associated with increased RBC destruction.

Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia is usually caused by inadequate dietary intake, malabsorption, or certain medical conditions affecting vitamin B12 absorption, but it does not fit the scenario described in the question.

Therefore, vitamin B12 deficiency is not the correct choice for the cause of anemia in this client.

Choice C rationale:

Autoimmune disease (Correct Choice) Autoimmune diseases can lead to hemolytic anemias, a group of disorders characterized by the premature destruction of RBCs by the immune system.

In these conditions, the immune system mistakenly recognizes RBCs as foreign invaders and targets them for destruction.

This process results in anemia due to increased RBC destruction.

Conditions such as autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) and autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) are examples of autoimmune diseases that can cause hemolytic anemia.

Therefore, autoimmune disease is the correct choice for the cause of anemia in this client.

Choice D rationale:

Bone marrow disorder Bone marrow disorders, such as aplastic anemia or myelodysplastic syndrome, can lead to anemia by affecting the production of RBCs in the bone marrow.

However, these disorders do not typically involve increased RBC destruction.

Instead, they result in a decreased production of RBCs, leading to anemia.

Therefore, a bone marrow disorder is not the correct choice for the cause of anemia in this client.

Choice A rationale:

The nurse's statement, "Iron absorption can be impaired by consuming green leafy vegetables," is not accurate.

Green leafy vegetables contain non-heme iron, which is less readily absorbed than heme iron found in animal products.

However, they do not impair iron absorption.

Choice B rationale:

The nurse's statement, "Inadequate iron intake is usually caused by chronic diseases," is not accurate.

Inadequate iron intake is typically caused by dietary factors, such as a lack of iron-rich foods in the diet.

Chronic diseases can lead to anemia, but they do so by affecting the body's utilization of iron, not by causing inadequate intake.

Choice D rationale:

The nurse's statement, "Excessive iron loss can occur due to pregnancy and lactation," is partially accurate.

Pregnancy and lactation can lead to increased iron requirements, but they do not directly cause excessive iron loss.

Iron loss through menstruation is a more common cause of iron deficiency in women.