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That’s Not Red Beets!

A Cardiovascular System Review

By Sheri L. Boyce

That’s Not Red Beets!


 

Abstract

Six-month-old "Henry" is suffering from increasing gastrointestinal bleeding. Students first explore the effect of the bleeding on common blood tests such as hematocrit and hemoglobin and explain their relationship to anemia and erythropoiesis. Students also predict the effect of the blood loss on blood volume and blood pressure. They then use Henry’s clinical signs and work backwards to review and apply feedback loops used by the cardiovascular system in an attempt to maintain homeostasis. The case is designed for use at the end of a unit on the cardiovascular system and is written at a level appropriate for a two-semester anatomy and physiology (A&P) course taken by nursing, nutrition, athletic training, pre-occupational therapy, and other health-related majors in their first or second year. It could also be adapted for use in an advanced high school A&P course.

   

Date Posted

11/11/2024

Overview

Objectives

  • Predict how continued bleeding will impact common blood tests such as hematocrit and hemoglobin.
  • Define anemia and understand its relation to hematocrit, erythrocyte count, hemoglobin, and iron levels in the blood.
  • Describe the role of erythropoietin in regulating erythrocyte production.
  • Explain why O-negative blood is safe to transfuse into patients with other blood types.
  • Use homeostatic feedback loops to explain why low blood pressure can lead to increased heart rate, stroke volume, and peripheral resistance. 
  • Use homeostatic feedback loops to explain why low blood pressure can lead to reduced urine output.

Keywords

Cardiovascular; blood pressure; cardiac output; erythropoiesis; peripheral resistance; blood volume; erythropoiesis; blood typing; EPO; hematocrit; angiotensin II; RAAS; baroreceptor feedback

  

Subject Headings

Nursing
Physiology

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate lower division

  

FORMAT

PDF

   

TOPICAL AREAS

N/A

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

Directed, Discussion

 

 

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