In the three scenarios given in the text, there are examples of three signs of different blood disorders.

Each of these three people shows symptoms of being at risk for a type of blood disorder. The first scenario: Amy, a 4-old Caucasian female, has been complaining of being tired all the time. She is pale and a picky eater. Her mother is a single mom with a small budget to feed a large family. Amy only eats pasta, breads, and hot dogs, and drinks only artificial fruit punch (Axia College, 2011, Week 4 Supplement). In my evaluation of the situation, I think that Amy has or is at risk for Iron deficiency anemia. Her symptoms include: being tired all of the time, looking pale, and an improper diet. Iron deficiency anemia is caused by having low levels of iron in the body (WebMD, 2009). The low levels of iron in the body can be cause from a number of things including: heavy menstrual bleeding, internal bleeding, not getting sufficient iron from food, or your body cannot absorb iron very well. Iron deficiency anemia is diagnosed by a doctor who does a physical and then takes blood to run test (WebMD, 2009). Iron deficiency anemia can be treated quite easily; usually the doctor will prescribe iron supplement pills to treat it (WebMD, 2009). If the doctor finds another reason for the anemia, such as an ulcer, he or she will also treat that as well. Iron deficiency anemia can be prevented as well. You can prevent it by making sure to eat enough iron each day; eat things such as meats, eggs, and whole grains, etc. (WebMD, 2009). The second scenario: Marcus is a 5-year old African-American male who has just moved to New York City, and is visiting his new pediatrician for a kindergarten physical. His mom tells the nurse that she carries the trait and wants Marcus screened for it (Axia College, 2011, Week 4 Supplement). In my evaluation of this situation, I think it is hard to say that Marcus has a blood disorder because there was no symptom(s) mentioned. However, I think Marcus is at risk for sickle cell disease. Sickle cell disease is an inherited disease, and African-Americans are at greater risk for the disease than other ethnic groups (Health Central, 2011). Sickle cell disease is caused by a genetic abnormality in the gene for hemoglobin (WebMD, 2009). Sickle cell disease is diagnosed by a blood test referred to as hemoglobin electrophoresis, which is a test that measures the amount of abnormal sickle hemoglobin (WebMD, 2009). You can also examine a blood sample under a microscope and note that sickle-shaped red blood cells are visible (WebMD, 2009). Sickle cell disease can be treated by medications such as opioid pain medications, anti-inflammatory medications, and antibiotics for infection. Sometimes a transfusion may also be in order in severe cases (WebMD, 2009). Sickle cell disease cannot be prevented as far as I have studied. The third scenario: Richard has noted over the past several weeks that he is having more bruises, or ecchymosis, all over his body. After coughing this morning, he noticed tiny red marks all around his eyes (Axia College, 2011, Week 4 Supplement). From my evaluation of this situation, I would say that Richard is at risk for thrombocytopenia. Some of the symptoms include easy or excessive bruising, superficial bleeding, prolonged bleeding from cuts, spontaneous bleeding from gums or nose, etc (Mayo Clinic, 2010). Thrombocytopenia can be diagnosed through a physical exam and a blood test in most cases (Mayo Clinic, 2010). In many cases of thrombocytopenia, no treatment is necessary as the problem heals on its own. But in some cases treatment may be necessary for the underlying causes or perhaps

a blood transfusion from loss of blood (Mayo Clinic, 2010). Thrombocytopenia could possibly be prevented by treating the underlying causes that may cause Thrombocytopenia (Mayo Clinic, 2010). But in most cases, realistically, the thrombocytopenia is caused by other factors and/or disease so it is not truly preventable. But as with any blood disorder, or any disorder of the body, keeping a healthy diet and seeing your family doctor is vital to keeping on top of any issues that you may have.