Types of Anemia You MUST-KNOW For the NCLEX®

16 Jan 2025 · 1 min

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In this concise NCLEX‑style instructional segment, the speaker outlines three key anemia types that candidates must master. First, aplastic anemia is presented as a bone‑marrow failure disorder that reduces red cells, white cells, and platelets, distinguishing it from iron‑related causes. Second, iron‑deficiency anemia is defined simply as a lack of iron leading to reduced red blood cell production. Third, pernicious anemia is explained as a vitamin B12 deficiency stemming from insufficient intrinsic factor produced by the stomach, which impairs red blood cell formation. The segment emphasizes the distinct etiologies and hematologic consequences of each anemia, providing clear, exam‑focused differentiation.

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First, we've got aplastic anemia. Aplastic anemia is really interesting because it's actually a bone marrow problem. This has nothing to do with a lack of iron or iron deficiency. This is simply a problem with the bone marrow. So you will not only see a decrease in red blood cells, but you'll also see a decrease in white blood cells and platelets as well. Now, iron deficiency anemia is just that. There is an iron deficiency which is causing that decrease in red blood cells. There's just not enough iron in the body. And now pernicious anemia is another one the NCLEX loves. This is due to a deficiency in vitamin B12. Now, the stomach is in charge of making intrinsic factor. Intrinsic factor, then, is necessary to make vitamin B12, and vitamin B12 is necessary to make red blood cells. So when there's not enough intrinsic factor, there's not enough red blood cells.