Audio lecture transcribed Flashcards
Hematology/neoplasms/anemia
What is the average blood volume in a human?
4-6 quarts (5.5 liters)
Why is blood thicker and stickier than water?
Due to cells and proteins
What are the primary functions of blood?
- Delivers oxygen and nutrients
- Immune system role
- Maintains acid-base balance
What are the main components of blood?
- Plasma
- Formed Elements (Red Blood Cells, White Blood Cells, Platelets)
What does plasma contain?
Water, plasma proteins, and other substances
What percentage of plasma proteins does Albumin represent?
60%
What is the primary function of red blood cells (erythrocytes)?
Oxygen delivery to tissues
What is the shape of red blood cells?
Biconcave disk
What is the lifespan of red blood cells?
About 120 days
What is Hemoglobin A?
Normal type of hemoglobin
What is Hemoglobin A1C related to?
Diabetes
What role does iron play in hemoglobin production?
Essential for hemoglobin production; insufficient iron leads to impaired hemoglobin production
What is erythropoiesis?
The process by which red blood cells are formed
What stimulates erythropoiesis?
Erythropoietin from kidneys in response to low oxygen
What are reticulocytes?
Immature red blood cells
How does COPD affect red blood cell production?
Leads to chronic stimulation by kidneys to produce more red blood cells
What is a hemolytic transfusion reaction?
Occurs during blood transfusions if donor and recipient blood types mismatch
What does an elevated reticulocyte count indicate?
Continuous erythropoietin stimulation
What is the normal white blood cell count per microliter?
5,000 to 10,000
What are granulocytes?
- Neutrophils
- Eosinophils
- Basophils
What role do basophils play?
Involved in allergic reactions and inflammation
What is the normal platelet count per microliter?
150,000 to 400,000
What is ecchymosis?
A term for bruising related to low platelets
What does CBC stand for?
Complete Blood Count
What does a CBC with Differential provide?
Detailed breakdown of white blood cells
What does a Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) assess?
Kidney function and electrolytes
What additional tests are included in a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)?
Tests to assess liver function
What does ferritin measure?
Iron stores in the body
What are the classic symptoms of anemia?
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Exertion
What compensatory mechanisms occur in anemia?
- Increased heart rate (tachycardia)
- Increased breathing rate (dyspnea)
- Palpitations
What is polycythemia vera?
A condition where hematocrit levels rise above normal
What can chronic blood loss lead to?
Iron deficiency anemia
What is the primary cause of iron deficiency anemia?
Blood loss, pregnancy, and diet (low iron intake)
What is the role of vitamin C in iron absorption?
Enhances iron absorption
What is megaloblastic anemia caused by?
Deficiency in vitamin B12 or folate
What is pernicious anemia?
B12 deficiency that can cause nerve damage
What is aplastic anemia?
Reduction in the production of all blood cells in the bone marrow
What is hemolytic anemia?
Characterized by a decreased lifespan of red blood cells
What are the symptoms of sickle cell crisis?
- Severe pain
- Risk of strokes
- Heart attacks
- Organ damage
What is the treatment for vaso-occlusive crisis?
- Hydration
- Oxygen therapy
- Pain management
What is the purpose of reticulocyte counts in anemia?
To assess bone marrow function and red blood cell production
What is sickle cell disease more common in?
African Americans and individuals of Middle Eastern descent
What are the symptoms of sickle cell crisis?
Severe pain, risk of strokes, heart attacks, and organ damage
Define Vaso-occlusive Crisis.
A painful obstruction caused by sickle-shaped red blood cells blocking blood flow
What treatments are included for sickle cell crisis?
Hydration, oxygen therapy, and pain management
What may severe cases of sickle cell crisis require?
Hospitalization and blood transfusions
At what stages is sickle cell disease tested?
At birth and sometimes in college athletes
What is the role of the immune system in cancer development?
Cancer develops when the immune system fails to prevent abnormal cell growth
What are solid tumors?
Tumors that originate from organs or tissues (e.g., lungs, colon, skin)
What are carcinomas?
Epithelial tissue cancers (e.g., skin, mucus membranes)
What are sarcomas?
Connective tissue cancers (e.g., bone, muscle)
What are hematologic malignancies?
Blood or liquid cancers (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma)
Name a type of environmental exposure that can cause cancer.
Ionizing radiation, ultraviolet radiation, chemicals
What is the link between smoking and cancer?
More than 50% of cancers are linked to smoking, and vaping is considered more harmful than smoking
Which virus is linked to cervical cancer?
HPV
What can HIV lead to in untreated cases?
Kaposi’s sarcoma
What is the relationship between aging and cancer risk?
As we age, the risk of cancer increases due to the accumulation of genetic damage
What characterizes normal cells?
Well-differentiated, low growth rate, undergo apoptosis
What are characteristics of cancer cells?
Poorly differentiated, high growth rate, invasive
What is genomic instability?
High mutation rate that increases cancer risk
What are proto-oncogenes?
Genes that normally promote cell growth, but mutations can activate them, causing uncontrolled cell proliferation
What are tumor suppressor genes?
Genes that suppress tumor growth; when mutated, they lose this function, leading to cancer
What is the Philadelphia chromosome associated with?
Leukemia due to chromosomal translocation
What is carcinogenesis?
The process by which normal cells become cancer cells, involving initiation and promotion stages
What does the term ‘metastasis’ refer to?
The spread of cancer cells from the original site to other parts of the body
What are common metastatic sites?
Bone, liver, and brain
What is the primary goal of cancer treatment?
Cure, control, or palliation
What is neoadjuvant therapy?
Treatment given before the main treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation prior to surgery
What does ‘adjuvant therapy’ refer to?
Treatment given after the primary treatment to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence
What is the role of nurses in cancer care?
Educating patients, reinforcing treatment protocols, and managing side effects
What is a benign neoplasm?
Non-cancerous tumors that do not spread to other parts of the body
What is a malignant neoplasm?
Cancerous tumors that can invade surrounding tissues and metastasize
True or False: Chronic inflammation can increase cancer risk.
True
Fill in the blank: _______ refers to the process by which normal cells become cancer cells.
Carcinogenesis
What is the grading system for side effects from clinical trials?
Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE)
