• symptoms and signs

• laboratory findings

• about the disease

• prevention

• treatment

• prognosis

Symptoms and signs. rate of blood loss determines the signs and symptoms, which may include dizziness; faintness; weakness; pallor; thirst; sweating; rapid, weak pulse; rapid respiration; and orthostatic hypotension

Laboratory findings.  complete blood count will show RBCs, Hgb, and Hct are deceptively high during initial period of hemorrhage because of vasoconstriction; values begin to decline within hours of the onset of bleeding if hemorrhage is not controlled; normocytic cells, agranulocytosis on peripheral smear; coagulation time is reduced

About the disease.  Post-hemorrhagic anemia is characterized by a decrease in hemoglobin in the blood related to rapid, massive hemorrhage. Rapid blood loss may be caused by traumatic rupture, incision or erosion of a large blood vessel (ulcer, tumor). The prognosis depends on the rate and site of bleeding and the total blood loss. With blood loss, blood volume diminishes, hemodilution occurs, and oxygenation of the tissues declines.

Prevention.  hemorrhage precaution

Treatment. surgery may be indicated in cases of massive hemorrhage; blood transfusions; IV fluids, oral fluids as tolerated; oxygen; absolute bed rest; diet high in protein and iron; iron replacement

Prognosis.  lack of prompt treatment or failure to control the bleeding results in shock, coma, and death