A hereditary hemolytic anaemia is?

SJH Nursing Officer - 2019

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: SJH Nursing Officer - 2019

Explanation

Thalassemia is a group of inherited blood disorders passed from parents to children through genes (hereditary).
It is caused by mutations that reduce the synthesis of either the alpha or beta globin chains of hemoglobin.
This imbalance in globin chain production leads to defective red blood cell formation and also causes premature destruction (hemolysis) of red blood cells, resulting in anemia.
The search results confirm that intrinsic hemolytic anemias are often inherited and include thalassemia.

Option A: Aplastic anemia is primarily a disorder of the bone marrow, where it fails to produce sufficient numbers of red cells, white cells, and platelets. It is not a hemolytic anemia (i.e., not caused by RBC destruction) and is usually acquired rather than hereditary.
Option C: Megaloblastic anemia is a nutritional deficiency anemia resulting from a lack of vitamin B12 or folate. This deficiency impairs DNA synthesis and leads to the formation of large, abnormal red blood cells (megaloblasts). It is not a hereditary or primarily hemolytic condition.
Option D: This option is incorrect because only Thalassemia among the choices is a hereditary hemolytic anemia. Aplastic anemia and Megaloblastic anemia do not fit this classification.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Classification of Anemias as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a vital role in managing patients with thalassemia, which includes administering blood transfusions, managing iron chelation therapy to prevent iron overload (a common complication), and monitoring for disease complications.
Patient and family education is crucial, focusing on the genetic nature of the disease, the importance of adherence to treatment, and the availability of genetic counseling for family planning.
What if? If a patient with thalassemia develops a fever, it should be treated as a medical emergency. Splenic dysfunction or removal (common in thalassemia) increases the risk of life-threatening infections from encapsulated bacteria.

How to Approach the Question

First, break down the question's key terms: 'Hereditary' means it is passed down through genes from parents, and 'hemolytic' means it involves the breakdown or destruction of red blood cells.
Next, evaluate each option against these two criteria.
Analyze Option A (Aplastic anaemia): Is it hereditary? Usually not. Is it hemolytic? No, it's a production problem.
Analyze Option B (Thalassemia): Is it hereditary? Yes. Is it hemolytic? Yes. This option fits both criteria.
Analyze Option C (Megaloblastic anaemia): Is it hereditary? No, it's a nutritional deficiency. Is it hemolytic? Not primarily. This option is incorrect.
Since only one option correctly fits the description, 'All of the above' is also incorrect. Conclude that Thalassemia is the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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