Red blood cells are also known as?

Appeared in: NVS Staff Nurse - 2022

Explanation

Erythrocytes is the correct medical term for red blood cells (RBCs).
The name originates from the Greek words 'erythros' (meaning red) and 'kytos' (meaning cell).
The primary function of erythrocytes is to carry oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and to help transport carbon dioxide back to the lungs.
This oxygen transport is made possible by the iron-containing protein hemoglobin, which gives the cells their red color.

Option B: Plasma is the non-cellular, liquid matrix of the blood in which blood cells are suspended. It is not a type of cell.
Option C: Leukocytes is the general medical term for all white blood cells (WBCs), which are primarily involved in the body's immune response.
Option D: Lymphocytes are a specific subtype of leukocyte (white blood cell). They are not red blood cells.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Nomenclature of blood components helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Nurses frequently review a patient's Complete Blood Count (CBC), which includes the Red Blood Cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit. These values are crucial for diagnosing and monitoring conditions like anemia (low RBCs) or polycythemia (high RBCs).
Understanding the correct terminology is essential for accurate communication and documentation in a clinical setting.
What if? If a patient's lab report shows a critically low erythrocyte count (anemia), the nurse's priority is to assess for signs of hypoxia, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and pallor, notify the healthcare provider, and prepare for potential interventions like a blood transfusion.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests knowledge of basic medical terminology.
First, identify the key term in the question: 'Red blood cells'.
The question asks for an alternative name ('also known as'), which usually implies the scientific or medical term.
Analyze the options based on Greek/Latin roots if possible. 'Erythro-' means red and '-cyte' means cell, directly translating to 'red cell'.
Eliminate the other options: 'Leuko-' means white (Leukocytes are white blood cells), 'Plasma' is the fluid part of blood, and 'Lymphocytes' are a specific type of white blood cell.
Select the option that is the direct medical synonym for red blood cells.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Anatomy Grays 43e Vol 1 Part 1 p. 104-106

E6 Anatomy Applied Ashalatha 4e p. 150-152

E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 1 Part 3 p. 110-112

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