Hematology

Question 1

Anemia

Answer 1

Hemoglobin or red blood cell levels below average. Often caused by a disease process or condition.

Question 2

Iron Deficiency Anemia

Answer 2

Most common type of anemia. Typical causes: blood donation, GI bleeding, menstrual bleeding.

Question 3

Neutropenia

Answer 3

Low count of neutrophils (makes up most of WBCs). They are the primary defense against pathogens. Common in recent chemotherapy patients - can become septic.

Question 4

Leukemia

Answer 4

Cancer of the RBCs. RBCs develop abnormally or excessively. Patients usually have bleeding, bruising, infections and fevers.

Chronic: Abnormal mature lymphoid cells grow in the bone marrow, spleen, and lymph nodes. Tests will show high lymphocyte levels. (65+)

Acute: Bone marrow replaced with lymphoblasts (any age).

Question 5

Lymphomas

Answer 5

A group of malignant diseases that occur in the lymphoid system.

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: Most common. Happens at any age or hereditary. Classified by speed of progression.

Hodgkin Lymphoma: Painless, progressive enlargement of the lymphoid glands and spleen. Two peaks of incidence - 15-30yo, 55-60yo0.

Treatment same as Leukemia patients - provide care and support, pain medication, IV fluids, oxygen. Discuss with family for options.

Question 6

Polycythemia

Answer 6

A condition of overabundance/overproduction of RBCs. Causes higher viscosity and congestion leading to clots. Treatment is phlebotomy to lower blood levels. High risk for strokes, DVTs, PEs, MIs and other heart conditions.

Question 7

Pruritis

Answer 7

Uncontrolled itching

Question 8

Hemophilia

Answer 8

Inadequate clotting. Bleeding can happen chronically or acutely and should not be taken lightly. Treat for hypoxia and (IV fluids may be helpful) but they need transfusions.

Question 9

Sickle Cell Disease

Answer 9

Affects Africans mostly. Mortality peaks at 1-3 years old. Adults can have anemia and painful crises.

Abnormal hemoglobin clumps onto RBC and deforms it into a sickle shape. These are fragile and breakdown faster than normal, leaving the patient frequently anemic. The odd sickle shape supports lodging or formation of clots leading to vascular diseases.

Tolerance to pain is high. Patient may present with symptoms including jaundiced skin and eyes

Question 10

Multiple Myeloma

Answer 10

Abnormally large amount of B cells being produced in the bone marrow causes a tumor and therefore obstructing release of WBCs, RBCs.

Patient would be more prone to spontaneous fractures, back bone pain.

Question 11

Body Fluid Weight

Answer 11

8% of body weight is fluids.

(55%) Plasma : 92% water, 8% solutes
(45%) Blood Elements: 1% WBCs, Platelets
99% erythrocytes

Question 12

RBC producing organs

Answer 12

Liver, Bone Marrow, Spleen

Question 13

Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes)

Answer 13

Makes up almost 44% of body fluid.
Formed in bone marrow.
Carries oxygen to cells around the body.

Question 14

White Blood Cells (Leukocytes)

Answer 14

Made up of 5 different types of immune system fighters.
Formed in bone marrow.
Immune system fighters.

Question 15

Platelets (Thrombocytes)

Answer 15

Clotting agent in cases of bleeds

Question 16

Basophils

Answer 16

A type of white blood cell.
Formed in bone marrow.
Basophils release histamine during an allergy attack.

Question 17

Hemoglobin

Answer 17

A protein in your RBC that carries O2 and CO2.
Collects O2 from the alveolar capillaries and transports them to the cells and tissues of the body through the RBCs, and vice-versa for CO2.

Question 18

Bilirubin

Answer 18

A byproduct of the destruction of RBCs in the liver. Secretes the yellow color seen in liver failure.

Question 19

Fibrinogen

Answer 19

Produced in the liver, turned into fibrin to help with secondary clotting

Question 20

Thrombin

Answer 20

An enzyme produced in the liver that turns fibrinogen into fibrin to help with secondary clotting

Question 21

Plasma

Answer 21

55% of the body’s fluid weight. Regulates body temperature, pH, and blood pressure.