Blood Disorders

Blood Disorders                                                                                                                     2

Blood disorders can be very common and can also be very dangerous.   If a person suspects that he or she has a blood disorder, he or she should see a doctor immediately.   Most people do not know the symptoms or signs of a blood disorder, so any strange symptoms should be reviewed by a doctor.   Regular check ups could also help in detecting a blood disorder.   Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, sickle cell anemia, and purpura simplex are only a few of many blood disorders that should be worrisome.  
In the first scenario of the assignment, Amy, a four year old Caucasian female, is tired all the time, pale, and a picky eater.   Her mother explains that she is a single mother to a large family and can only afford to feed Amy pasta, breads, and hot dogs.   These symptoms show signs that Amy may have Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.   Vitamin B12 and folate are required to make red blood cells.   Consuming little or no meat can cause a Vitamin B12 deficiency.   If this deficiency is treated by correcting the diet issues, symptoms will cease in a few days.   Some people have a problem absorbing Vitamin B12 and if that is the case, he or she may need injections of Vitamin B12 every couple of months.  
In the second scenario of the assignment, Marcus, a five year old African American, is taken to a new pediatrician and his mother informs the doctor that she carries the sickle cell trait and request that the doctor screen him for it.   Sickle cell disease is inherited and most commonly affects African Americans.   Instead of the red blood cells being round and flow easily, the red blood cells are crescent shaped and do not flow easily.   The sickle cells also do not survive as

Blood Disorders                                                                                                                           3
long as normal cells and can stick...