Definitions and Concepts Maingeni Flashcards
What is Agranulocytosis?
A condition where there is a dangerously low number of white blood cells called granulocytes in the blood
What is Erythropoiesis?
The process of producing red blood cells (RBCs) in the body
What is hemolysis?
The process of red blood cell destruction. It occurs when red blood cells (RBCs) break down prematurely, releasing their hemoglobin into the bloodstream. This can be caused by various factors, including:
Inherited disorders: Such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia.
Infections: Like malaria and sepsis.
What is megaloblastic anemia?
Is a type of anemia characterized by abnormally large, immature red blood cells (megaloblasts).
Megaloblastic anemia is primarily caused by deficiencies in which two essential vitamins?
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) and Folate
Megaloblastic anemia is also caused by three other reasons, and they are?
Malabsorption disorders (e.g., celiac disease, Crohn’s disease)
Certain medications (e.g., methotrexate, hydroxyurea)
Inherited disorders (e.g., megaloblastic anemia due to inherited disorders of folate metabolism)
Pancytopenia is a medical condition characterized by a significant decrease in the number of all three types of blood cells. Can you name the types of blood cells ? (PAN means all)
- Red blood cells (erythrocytes): Carry oxygen throughout the body. 4.35-5.65
- White blood cells (leukocytes): Fight infections. 5-10,000
- Platelets: Help with blood clotting. 150-450,000
Polycythemia is defined as characterized by an abnormally high number of what type of cell?
RBC -Polycythemia is defined as a hematocrit (percentage of red blood cells in the blood) greater than 52% in men and 48% in women,
What is neutropenia?
A condition characterized by an abnormally low number of neutrophils in the blood- a count less than 1500
Tissue hypoxemia is a condition where there is an inadequate supply of what to the body’s tissues?
1. Blood
2. Oxygen
3. WBCs
4. Water
Oxygen
What is anemia?
A medical condition where the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells
True or False Anemia can be caused by various factors, including blood loss, iron deficiency, vitamin deficiencies (B12 and folate), chronic diseases (e.g., kidney disease), and bone marrow disorders.
True
What foods would a nurse recommend for a person with anemia?
A nurse may recommend iron-rich foods to a client with iron deficiency anemia, such as red meat, seafood, beans, and dark green leafy vegetables.
Microcytic, normocytic, and macrocytic anemia are types of anemia categorized by what in particular?
The size of RBCs
What are the three types of anemia?
Microcytic, normocytic, and macrocytic
What is a condition where the number of platelets in the blood is abnormally low?
Thrombocytopenia-
(normal platelet count is 150-450,000)
What is a protein produced by the parietal cells in the stomach lining? It plays a crucial role in the absorption of vitamin B12 (cobalamin) in the small intestine.
IF -intrinsic factor
What is a condition in which there is an abnormally low number of white blood cells (leukocytes) in the blood?
Leukopenia
What is the normal WBC count?
4-11,00 or 5-10,00
What is a type of anemia where red blood cells (RBCs) are destroyed prematurely, leading to a decrease in the number of healthy RBCs in the bloodstream?
Hemolytic Anemia
Hemolytic anemia can be a result of three conditions can you name them?
1) Inherited disorders: Such as sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, and G6PD deficiency.
2) Acquired conditions: Such as autoimmune diseases, infections, blood transfusions, and certain medications.
3) Mechanical damage: From trauma, surgery, or prosthetic heart valves.
What are some nursing diagnosis for a client with anemia?
Fatigue, decreased activity tolerance, and inadequate oxygenation. Other diagnoses can include nutritional deficiencies, risk for infection, and risk for bleeding.
Adults over the age of 65 are at risk for nutrition deficient anemias (iron, vitamin B 12, and folate True or False?
True
Gastrointestinal bleeding is a common cause of anemia in adults > 65 True or False
True
Which food is high in folate? Select All That Apply
1. Peaches
2. Apples
3. Bananas
4. Spinach
5. Lentils
6. Tea
3, 4, &5
Anemia can be misdiagnosed as depression or debilitation in persons > 65 True or False
True
What are expected findings for a person with anemia? Select All That Apply
1. Little or no manifestations in mild cases
2. Pallor
3. Fatigue
4. Dyspnea on exertion
5. Sensitivity to heat
6. Sensitivity to cold
7. Tachycardia and palpitations
1, 2, 3, 4, 6, & 7
Skin assessment for pallor in darker skin tones can be assessed by assessing what part of the body?
Checking the palms, conjunctivae, and the inner lip for pale or ashen gray color.
Define the mechanisms that compensate for the tissue hypoxia caused by anemia.
Increased cardiac output, redistribution of blood flow to vital organs, enhanced oxygen extraction from the blood by tissues, and increased production of erythropoietin to stimulate red blood cell formation,
True or False In response to hypoxia, the kidneys detect decreased oxygen levels and release erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production in the bone marrow.
True
A bone marrow aspiration is used to diagnose what condition?
Aplastic Anemia
Aplastic Anemia is a failure of the bone marrow to produce what ?
1. WBCs
2. Platelets
3. RBCs
RBCs
What is the assessment technique to assess cyanosis?
A visual inspection of the skin, particularly around the lips, nail beds, and mucous membranes, looking for a bluish discoloration
What is the assessment technique to assess cyanosis in darker skin ?
Check areas like the gums, conjunctiva, and palms of the hands to better identify cyanosis.
What is the nursing responsibility and significance for a client with a bone marrow aspiration/ biopsy? Preprocedure
1) Ensure that the client has provided informed consent
2) Place the client in a prone ( on abdomen) or side-lying position to expose the iliac crest ( hip area)
What is the client education for a person undergoing a bone marrow or aspiration?
The biopsy site will be anesthetized with a local anesthetic, there can be a feeling of pressure and brief pain during the procedure. They will hear a crunching sound when the needle enters the bone.
What does a CBC include?
RBC, WBC, MCH, Hgb & Hct
How does a nurse assess for jaundice?
Visually inspecting the patient’s skin, particularly the sclera (white part of the eyes), for a yellow discoloration, which is the primary indicator of jaundice
How does a nurse assess for jaundice in persons with dark skin?
Assess the inside of the mouth and under the tongue
What is the bilirubin
lab level useful for?
A bilirubin lab level is primarily used to assess liver function.
High bilirubin levels can cause what condition?
Jaundice
True or False Bilirubin levels can be used to monitor the progression of liver diseases like hepatitis or cirrhosis.
True
What is the normal bilirubin level for adults and children?
On average, total bilirubin levels between 0.2 and 1.3 mg/dL are considered normal for children and adults.
How does a person appear or look like with a high bilirubin level? A nurse will assess what?
Jaundice & darker urine & clay -colored stool & the person will complain of puritis (itching)
How does the body compensate for tissue hypoxia caused by anemia?
The body compensates by increasing cardiac output (faster heart rate and increased stroke volume), redistributing blood flow to vital organs like the brain and heart, enhancing oxygen extraction from the blood at the tissue level, and stimulating the production of red blood cells through increased erythropoietin secretion by the kidneys.
How does thrombocytopenia differ from anemia?
Thrombocytopenia differs from anemia in that it specifically refers to a low platelet count, impacting the blood’s ability to clot, while anemia indicates a deficiency in red blood cells, leading to decreased oxygen carrying capacity
What actions will a nurse consider with a patient or client with thrombocytopenia?
Because thrombocytopenia is a circulation problem, it is important to perform a comprehensive physical exam, paying attention to potential clinical manifestations. The nurse should consider the potential causes of thrombocytopenia, including immune-mediated causes, decreased production of platelets from bone marrow or nutritional disorders, or medications such as heparin or other anticoagulants.
What nursing actions or interventions will a nurse take with a person with thrombocytopenia?
Taking action includes the nursing interventions of administering prescribed medications, coordinating blood transfusions and products as ordered, providing patient education on bleeding and injury prevention, and collaborating with the health-care team. Actions to reduce further bleeding include avoiding sharp objects and using an electric razor or a soft toothbrush to avoid tissue integrity issues. Safety implications include identifying patients at high risk of falling and educating patients to avoid contact sports. Dietary and nutrition interventions include avoiding alcohol (which decreases platelet production) and avoiding foods that may disrupt the intestinal lining.
Name food sources containing iron, vitamin B 12 & folic acid.
Meat, fish, seafood, vegetables, beans, and fortified food
