(Select all that apply): A nurse is educating a patient with hemolytic anemia about the potential complications.
Which complications should the nurse include in the teaching? Select all that apply.

Choice A rationale:

Hemolytic anemia is not typically caused by infections.

Infections can cause other types of anemia, such as anemia of chronic disease, but not hemolytic anemia.

This choice is incorrect.

Choice B rationale:

This is the correct answer.

Hemolytic anemia is usually a result of genetic defects.

It can also be acquired through autoimmune conditions or exposure to certain drugs and toxins, but genetic defects are a common cause.

Genetic defects can lead to abnormal red blood cell shapes (e.g., sickle cell anemia) or defects in red blood cell membranes (e.g., hereditary spherocytosis), resulting in hemolysis.

Choice C rationale:

Exposure to toxins is not the primary cause of hemolytic anemia.

While some toxins can cause hemolysis, they are not the leading cause of this condition.

This choice is incorrect.

Choice D rationale:

Mechanical trauma is not the primary reason for developing hemolytic anemia.

While physical trauma can lead to the rupture of red blood cells (e.g., in cases of traumatic hemolysis), it is not the primary cause of hemolytic anemia.

This choice is incorrect.

Choice A rationale:

Elevated bilirubin levels.

Elevated bilirubin levels are not a specific clinical manifestation of intravascular hemolysis.

Bilirubin levels may be elevated in various types of anemia, but it is not a characteristic sign of intravascular hemolysis.

Choice B rationale:

Hemoglobinuria.

Hemoglobinuria is a clinical manifestation consistent with intravascular hemolysis.

When red blood cells are destroyed within blood vessels, hemoglobin is released into the bloodstream, and it can be filtered by the kidneys and excreted in the urine, leading to hemoglobinuria.

Choice C rationale:

Splenomegaly.

Splenomegaly can occur in some types of anemia, but it is not a specific clinical manifestation of intravascular hemolysis.

It may be more commonly associated with conditions like hereditary spherocytosis or thalassemia.

Choice D rationale:

Increased ferritin levels.

Increased ferritin levels are not a specific clinical manifestation of intravascular hemolysis.

Ferritin is a marker of iron storage in the body and is not directly related to the destruction of red blood cells.