Blood & Lymph Flashcards
What is Blood dyscrasia
Abnormalities in the number and/or types of blood cells
What is Coagulopathy
Bleeding disorders involving platelets and/or clotting factors
What is anemia
Abnormally low number of RBC’s and/or Hemoglobin
What is Hypovolemic anemia
-Loss of large volume of blood
-All blood cells are lost with this type of anemia
What is Iron Deficiency anemia
-Hemoglobin requires iron to mature and iron uptake/absorption does not keep up with the needs of erythropoiesis
-Low iron level
-CBC with low RBC, H&H
Nursing management for Iron deficiency anemia
-Eat more animal meats, beans, nuts, whole grains
-Avoid coffee tea during mealtime
-Take Iron supplement
Nursing considerations for iron supplementation
-Take on empty stomach
-Don’t take with antacids
-Stool will be black
What is Sickle-cell Disease
-Genetic disorder
-Erythrocytes become sickle-shaped during periods of inadequate oxygenation
What is a sickle cell crisis and what do we treat it with?
-Cells lodge in small blood vessel blocking flow of blood
-Results in hemolytic anemia
-decreased hemoglobin
-Bone marrow transplant (most effective for children)
-Hydroxyurea (anti cancer agent)
Signs and symptoms of sickle cell crisis
-Severe pain, family history, possible cva signs
-Possible tissue necrosis
-fever, pain, swelling of joints
What is hemolytic anemia
-Premature destruction of RBC’s caused by (sickle cell, infection, lead poisoning, autoimmune causes)
-Destruction of RBCs produces bilirubin
Assessment findings and management for hemolytic anemia
-Jaundice
-Enlarged spleen
-Low H&H and RBC
Treat with
-Corticosteroid therapy
-Blood transfusion
-Possible splenectomy
What is pernicious anemia
-Absense of vitamin B12
-RBCs cant mature
-Intrinsic factor
Assessment findings and treatment for pernicious anemia
-Inflammation of tounge or mouth
-Diarrhea
-Mental changes
-Numbness tingling and ataxia
-Low b12 level
Treat with
-B12 supplementation
-IM injections twice weekly until stable then monthly
-Increase intake of fish, meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products
What is folic acid deficiency anemia
-RBCs require folate to mature fully
-common in alcoholics, older adults, intestinal disorders/ surgery
Assessment findings and treatment for folic acid deficiency anemia
-severe fatigue, sore enlarged red tongue
-Low H&H, Folate level
Treat with
Folic acid supplementation
What is Erythrocytosis
-Increased number of RBCs, WBCs and platelets due to overproduction by bone marrow
-Can lead to HTN, HF, CVA, tissue/ organ infarction
Assessment findings and treatment for Erythrocytosis
-red, purple lips
-fatigue, weakness
-dyspnea
treat with
-Phlebotomy to reduce volume
-Anticoagulants to reduce clotting
-Drugs to decrease bone marrow activity
What is thrombocytopenia and what causes it
-low platelet count
-Decreased bone marrow activity or increased spleen activity
caused by
-Infection
-Adverse effects of drugs
-Blood cancers
Assessment findings and treatment for Thrombocytopenia
-purpura
-abnormal bleeding
-internal bleeding
treat with
-Treat cause
-Platelet transfusion
-May recover spontaneously
What is hemophilia
-Absence of clotting factor
-sex linked genetic disorder
-severity depends on type
Assessment findings and treatment for hemophilia
-Persistent and spontaneous bleeding
treat with
-blood transfusion
-cryoprecipitate transfusion
-FFP transfusion
-Clotting factor replacement (expensive)
What is lymphedema
-Accumulation of lymphatic fluid due to impaired circulation
-Excess lymph leaks into tissue
-Produces edema & other deformities
Assessment findings and treatment for Lymphedema
-Dependent Edema in areas affected
-Skin may be thick, rough and discolored (Elephantiasis)
-Skin may be firm tight and shiny
-Possible oozing of lymph
-Ulcers and infection may develop
treat with
-Elevation, compression garments, physiotherapy and surgical repair
