Hematologic Emergencies Flashcards
Plasma
92% water 6-7% proteins
Accounts for 55% of blood
Erythrocytes
Red blood cells
Leukocytes
White blood cells
Thrombocytes
Platelets
Production of RBC’s
Occurs within stem cells inside of the bone marrow
Hemoglobin
Identifies amount of hemoglobin found within the RBC’s
Hematocrit
Proportion of red blood cells in the blood
WBC’s
Larger than RBC’s provide body with immunity against foreign invaders
Platelets
Are smallest of formed elements
Form initial clot following injury
Hemostasis
Process body takes to stop bleeding
Clotting Factors
Liver produces clotting factors and filters, removes toxins of RBC’s
As old RBC’s enter liver and are broken down they are formed into bile
Spleen
Filters and breaks down RBC’s as well
Helps produce lymphocytes
ABO System
Types of blood A B AB O
A antigen is A
A antibody is B
Clotting Cascade
Process by which clotting factors work together to form fibrin
Coagulopathies
Bleeding Disorders that can lead to heavy or prolonged bleeding
Sickle Cell Disease
Leading inherited blood disorder
Sickle shaped RBC’s make the cells poor carriers for oxygen
May cause cells to lodge in small vessels
Aplastic Crisis
Body Stops production of Red blood cells, causing the patient to become easily tired, nemic, pale and sob
Hemolytic Crisis
Acute red blood cell destruction leading to jaundice
Splenic Sequestration Crisis
Caused by sickle cells within spleen blocking blood from leaving the spleen, which results in painful, acute enlargement of spleen and a hard bloated abdomen
Oxygen and Pain Management
Anemia
Defined as hemoglobin or RBC’s level lower than normal
Iron deficiency anemia
SOB, worn down, weak
Leukemia
Disease in lympnode system
Can cause frequent bleeding, bruising, infections and fever
Lymphomas
Group of malignant diseases that arise within lymphoid system
Hodgkin lymphoma
Painless, progressive enlargement of the lymphoid Glands, most commonly affecting spleen and lymph nodes
