Hematologic Disorders: Concepts

Question 1

RBC Function

Answer 1

• Deliver oxygen FROM lungs TO body tissues & organs
• Brings carbon dioxide back to lungs to be exhaled
• RBC contain Hgb which exchanges oxygen & carbon dioxide at the cellular lvl
  > allows cells to make ATP to convert into energy

Question 2

RBC Production

Answer 2

• Made in bone marrow from hemocytoblasts
• Contain hemoglobin
• Biconcave shape

Question 3

Heme

Answer 3

• Definition
• Needs iron to transport oxygen
• 4 molecules of oxygen can attach to heme
• Globin carries carbon dioxide
• Any interruption of this process creates disease/disorder

Question 4

Platelet Disorders

Answer 4

• Local bleeding
  > petechiae
• Easier to control
• Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)
  > immune system destroys platelets
• Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP)
  > platelets clump abnormally: cause clots, then body runs out, lots of internal & external bleeding

Question 5

Clotting Factor Disorders

Answer 5

• Occurs deeper in body
  > joint spaces; subq; joint pain
  > deep bleeds difficult to control & often restarts
• Hemophilia
• Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia