Chapter 24: Hematologic & Immunologic Dysfunction Flashcards
What are the main 3 hematologic differences in pediatric patients?
- hematopoiesis: formation of blood that begins before birth
- WBC count is highest at birth
- platelet levels are lower in newborns
What is anemia?
3 aspects
- most common hematologic disorder of childhood
- decrease in the number of RBCs/Hgb – Hgb < 10 or 11 g/dL –> decreased oxygen-carrying capacity of blood
- 2 classifications:
1. etiology – RBC/Hgb depletion
2. morphology – RBC characteristics that alter function
How does anemia affect the circulatory system?
4 effects
- hemodilution: decreased concentration of RBCs
- decreased peripheral resistance –> more blood returns to the heart
- increased cardiac circulation and turbulence –> murmur or HF d/t increased workload
- slowed growth d/t decreased cellular metabolism
What are some treatments for anemia?
5 treatments
- transfusion
- nutritional intervention for deficiency anemias
- IV fluids to replace blood volume
- oxygen
- rest
What is iron-deficiency anemia?
2 aspects
- decreased oxygen-carrying capacity of blood d/t inadequate supply of iron
- generally preventable
What are some possible causes of iron-deficiency anemia based on the patient’s age group?
3 age groups
- premature infants – low fetal supply of iron
- 12 - 36 months – excessive cow’s milk (poor iron source and interferes with iron absorption)
- adolescents – rapid growth, poor eating habits, or menses
What are some treatments for iron-deficiency anemia?
3 treatments
- infants – no cow’s milk, iron-fortified foods/formula
- dietary iron
- iron supplements
What are 3 education topics when giving PO iron?
- may stain teeth – drink with straw
- take vitamin C with iron – facilitates absorption of iron
- dark tarry (green/black) stools
What is sickle-cell anemia?
3 aspects
- partial or complete replacement of normal Hgb with abnormal Hgb (Hgb S) that is in a sickle shape
- sickle-cell shaped RBCs
- these obstruct blood flow –> engorgement and tissue ischemia –> hypoxia occurs –> damage to and impaired function of tissues
Which population more commonly experiences sickle-cell anemia?
African Americans
What kind of hereditary pattern does sickle-cell anemia follow?
autosomal recessive
What is one advantage of sickle-cell anemia when compared to non-sickle-celled RBCs?
in areas where malaria is common, people with sickle-cell anemia tend to have a survival advantage
What are some treatments for sickle-cell anemia?
3 treatments
- bone marrow transplants
- transfusions
- hydration – can prevent sickling
What is a sickle cell crisis?
pain that results from sickling of RBC d/t obstruction of blood flow
What are some factors that can precipitate sickle cell crisis?
6 factors
- anything that increases the body’s need for oxygen
- anything that alters transport of oxygen
- trauma
- fever
- infection
- physical or emotional stress