adult 1: aplastic anemia + thalassemia Flashcards
(27 cards)
What causes aplastic anemia?
Aplastic anemia is caused by immunosuppression due to radiation, chemotherapy, or infection.
What is pancytopenia in relation to aplastic anemia?
Pancytopenia refers to a decrease in all blood cell types: RBCs, WBCs, and platelets.
What are common signs of bone marrow suppression in aplastic anemia?
Headache, paresthesia, fatigue, palpitations, dyspnea.
What are the symptoms of bleeding in aplastic anemia?
Nose bleeds, petechiae, and bruising.
What other neurological symptoms might occur in aplastic anemia?
“Roaring in the ears” and peripheral neuropathy.
Why are patients with aplastic anemia susceptible to infections?
Due to low neutrophil count, leading to a weakened immune system.
What is the standard treatment for aplastic anemia?
RBC and platelet transfusions are used to manage anemia and thrombocytopenia.
What infection control measures should be taken for aplastic anemia patients?
Educate the patient to avoid large crowds and practice good hand hygiene.
What safety precautions should be taken with aplastic anemia patients?
Avoid contact sports and be cautious with ambulation due to the risk of bleeding.
How should rest and activity be managed for patients with aplastic anemia?
Balance rest with activity to prevent fatigue and minimize strain.
What should a nurse monitor when administering blood products to aplastic anemia patients?
Properly administer and monitor for any adverse reactions to blood products.
What lab findings are typical for aplastic anemia?
Low Hgb/Hct, low WBC/RBC/platelets, and low clotting factors (PT/INR/PTT) if pancytopenia is the cause.
What medications are typically prescribed for aplastic anemia?
Immunosuppressive medications or bone marrow stimulants, depending on the underlying cause.
How do medications for aplastic anemia work?
Medications either stimulate bone marrow to produce blood cells or suppress the immune system to allow the bone marrow to recover.
What are common side effects of medications used in aplastic anemia treatment?
Risk of infection (from immunosuppressive therapy), bleeding (if platelet count is low), and organ toxicity depending on the medication used.
What are important nursing considerations when administering medications for aplastic anemia?
Monitor for signs of infection, bleeding, and adverse drug reactions. Regularly assess blood counts and educate the patient on the importance of medication adherence.
What is Thalassemia?
Thalassemia is a genetic disorder resulting in inadequate hemoglobin production, leading to decreased RBCs.
What causes Thalassemia?
Thalassemia is caused by autosomal recessive genetics.
What are the two types of Thalassemia?
Thalassemia minor (1 thalassemia gene and 1 normal gene) and Thalassemia major (2 thalassemia genes).
What are the signs and symptoms of minor Thalassemia?
Often asymptomatic; mild to moderate anemia with microcytosis, hypochromia, mild splenomegaly, bronzed skin, and bone marrow hyperplasia.
What are the signs and symptoms of major Thalassemia?
Growth and development deficits, pallor, jaundice (especially on the soft palate), pronounced splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, cardiomyopathy, headache, paresthesia, fatigue, palpitations, dyspnea, and endocrine issues.
What is the medical treatment for Thalassemia?
Blood transfusion when hemoglobin drops below normal, splenectomy if the spleen grows too large, and hematopoietic stem cell transplant (the only cure for Thalassemia).
What is the role of a nurse in the administration of blood products for Thalassemia?
Properly administer and monitor blood transfusions, including performing type and cross and checking for antibody development.
What diagnostic tests are used to diagnose Thalassemia?
Low Hgb/Hct, high serum ferritin, and high ALT/AST levels.
