Hematology and Immunology Flashcards
Iron Deficient Anemia
Decrease in hemoglobin due to insufficient iron intake or some kino of malabsorption syndrome that prevents the absorption of iron
Anemia
Decreased red blood cell count
Medications we can provide to help with this epoetin alfa which helps to increase red blood cell count and Ferrus sulphate
Increase foods high in iron folate and B12
Extra rest periods, anemia can make you fell very fatigued
Risk factor off anemia in young children
Excess intake of cows milk
cows milk = low in iron, the milk will fill them up leading to less consumption fo iron rich foods
symptoms of anemia
Fatigue
Pallor
Shortness of breath
Tachycardia
Anemia Labs
Low Hemoglobin
Low Hematocrit
Decrease red blood cells
Low MCH, MCV, Ferritin
Treatment of anemia
Iron Supplementation
Ferrous sulfate oral
Iron dextrin IM or IV
if administering IM route, use the Z-track method in order to prevent leakage of the medication into the subcutaneous tissue
Z-track a technique in which the provider slightly pulls and holds pressure on the skin when giving an injection, which leaves a zigzag path behind when they remove the needle and release the skin.
Teaching anemia
Increase consumption of iron rich foods
Green vegetables, meat, raisins and iron-fortified foods
Vitamin C improves absorption of iron and calcium-rich products will decrease absorption of iron.
Give iron supplementation with orange juice and not with milk or antacids
Use a straw and brush teeth following administration in order to avoid stained teeth (if taking iron supplement in a liquid form)
Iron supplementation will cause green or black tarry stools, this is expected - nothing to worry about
Thalassemia
Group of genetic disorders characterized by defective hemoglobin formation and anemia
Thalassemia Signs and symptoms
Pallor
jaundice
decreased appetite and growth rates
enlarged liver
enlarged spleen
deformed facial bones
Thalassemia Diagnosis
CBC
Genetic testing
Thalassemia Treatment
Frequent blood transfusions
Because the child will be getting these transfusions frequently and regularly that causes the build up of iron in the body which necessitates chelation therapy to decrease iron levels
Hemochromatosis
Iron overload
A disorder where harmful levels of extra iron build up in the body, iim left untreated the iron can damage the heart, endocrine glands, joints of the body, liver and pancreas
Primary hemochromatosis = hereditary
Secondary hemochromatosis occurs due to other concurrent conditions such as certain types of anemia, frequent blood transfusions, liver disease
Hemochromatosis Signs and symptoms
Some patients have no symptoms but if they do symptoms include
Abdominal pain
Amenorrhea
Bronze or gray skin colour
Diabetes
Fatigue
HF
Joint pain
Liver failure
Loss of sex drive
memory fog
weakness
Hemochromatosis Treatment
Removing blood through venipuncture to remove and decrease iron levels
Done inn two phases:
Initial treatment, may need blood removal once or twice a week
Maintenance treatment
Blood removal will continue less frequently depending non the rate at which iron levels increase
Normalizing iron levels could possible take up to a year or longer
Polycythemia
Rare blood disorder, causes an increase in red blood cells. We have primary polycythemia and secondary polycythemia
Primary polycthemia: caused by a gene mutation that results in uncontrolled production of abdominal red blood cells, this makes the patients blood thicker which puts them at risk for clots, it also impaired blood flow so the patient is at risk for ischemia
Secondary polycythemia, this is due to long-term poor oxygenation that can be caused by a lung disorder or a heart disorder. the body will try to compensate for this poor oxygenation by increasing production off red blood cells
Polycythemia Signs and symptoms
Ruddy complexion (red complexion)
They may complain of dizziness, headache and fatigue, you may see clubbing present on their fingernails
Enlarged spleen
Polycythemia Diagnosis
CBC: red blood cell count will be elevated as well as hematocrit
Bone marrow biopsy may be used as well
Polycythemia Treatment
No cure
Pheresis to remove some of the patients red blood cells through phlebotomy
Mediations that are useful also include hydroxyurea as well as aspirin
Thrombocytopenia
Thrombocytopenia is a condition in which you have a low blood platelet count
Thrombocytopenia Risk factors
Thrombocytopenia might occur as a result of a bone marrow disorder such as leukemia or an immune system problem. Or it can be a side effect of taking certain medications. It affects both children and adults.
Thrombocytopenia signs and symptoms
Easy or excessive bruising (purpura)
Superficial bleeding into the skin that appears as a rash of pinpoint-sized reddish-purple spots (petechiae)
Prolonged bleeding from cuts
Bleeding from your gums or nose
Blood in urine or stools
Unusually heavy menstrual flows
Fatigue
Enlarged spleen
Thrombocytopenia Causes
Thrombocytopenia means you have fewer than 150,000 platelets per microliter of circulating blood.
Thrombocytopenia rarely is inherited; or it can be caused by a number of medications or conditions.
Whatever the cause, circulating platelets are reduced by one or more of the following processes: trapping of platelets in the spleen, decreased platelet production or increased destruction of platelets.
Thrombocytopenia things to watch out for
Monitor blood in the patients stool, urine and vomit
Avoid IVs and injections whenever possible - if a blood draw is needed, make sure to gold prolonged pressure over the area to ensure the patient stops bleeding
Thrombocytopenia Patient Teaching
Encourage patient to use an electric razor vs a straight razor
Soft tooth brush
Avoid blowing nose vigorously
Avoid NSAIDS such as ibuprofen because those medications carry a side effect of GI bleeding
Reduce risk of falls and implement safety precautions, if the patient we’re to fall they are at high risk for bleeding and this could potentially be fatal
Platelets
Platelets (thrombocytes) are colorless blood cells that help blood clot. Platelets stop bleeding by clumping and forming plugs in blood vessel injuries.
ITP immune thrombocytopenic purpura
Coagulation disorder
Autoimmune disorder where the body produces antibodies that attack its own thrombocytes/platelets this results in purpua (small bleeding spots beneath the skin)
Hemophilia
Severe inherited hemorrhagic disorder
X-linked recessive disorder that causes a deficiency in clothing factors. (not platelets, clotting factors)
Hemophilia Signs and symptoms
Excess bleeding and bruising as well as joint pain and swelling
Decreased range of motion
Hemophilia Lab work
Elevated in aPTT and a decrease in factor eight or nine depending on what type of hemophilia is present
It is important to note that platelet count and PT will not. be affected
Hemophilia Treatment
Factor replacement
(factor eight or nine depending on the type of hemophilia)
Hemophilia Teaching
Prevent bleeding: no NSAIDS or aspirin
avoid IM injections
Child should engage in physical; therapy in order to maintain range of motion
Should not engage in contact supports
For Acute bleeding
RICE mnemonic
Rest
Ice
Compression
Elevation
Hemophilia A
Results in a deficiency of factor eight
Hemophilia B
Results in a deficiency of factor nine
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a serious disorder in which the proteins that control blood clotting become overactive.
Causes of Disseminated Intravascular coagulation (DIC)
When you are injured, proteins in the blood that form blood clots travel to the injury site to help stop bleeding. If these proteins become abnormally active throughout the body, you could develop DIC. The underlying cause is usually due to inflammation, infection, or cancer
DIC Risk factors
Blood transfusion reaction
Cancer, especially certain types of leukemia
Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
Infection in the blood, especially by bacteria or fungus
Liver disease
Pregnancy complications (such as placenta that is left behind after delivery)
Recent surgery or anesthesia
Severe tissue injury (as in burns and head injury)
Large hemangioma (a blood vessel that is not formed properly)
DIC Symptoms
Bleeding, from many sites in the body
Blood clots
Bruising
Drop in blood pressure
Shortness of breath
Confusion, memory loss or change of behavior
Fever
Treatment for DIC
There is no specific treatment for DIC. The goal is to determine and treat the underlying cause of DIC.
Supportive treatments may include:
Plasma transfusions to replace blood clotting factors if a large amount of bleeding is occurring.
Blood thinner medicine (heparin) to prevent blood clotting if a large amount of clotting is occurring.
Neutropenia
Neutropenia is when a person has a low level of neutrophils.
White blood cell count is down and we need to implant neutropenic precautions. PPE sued too prevent exposure for the patient to ensure they do not get sick
neutropenic precautions
Carefully monitor patients temperate
Restrict any visitors who are ill
no fresh plants or flowers in the patients room
Keep dedicated equipment in the patients room
Medication called filgrastim: helps boost up the patients neutrophil count
Neutropenia teaching
when the patient goes home
Take temperature daily
report temp above 100 degrees
Avoid crowds
Avoid sick people
Not consume raw foods
Avoid yard work or gardening
Not change their cats litter box
Wash dishes in hot water or use a dishwasher
wash toothbrush in the dishwasher daily
Neutrophils
Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell. All white blood cells help the body fight infection. Neutrophils fight infection by destroying harmful bacteria and fungi (yeast) that invade the body.
Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Myelodysplastic syndromes are a group of disorders caused by blood cells that are poorly formed or don’t work properly. Myelodysplastic syndromes result from something amiss in the spongy material inside your bones where blood cells are made (bone marrow).
In a healthy person, bone marrow makes new, immature blood cells that mature over time. Myelodysplastic syndromes occur when something disrupts this process so that the blood cells don’t mature.
myelodysplastic syndromes Causes
Most myelodysplastic syndromes have no known cause. Others are caused by exposure to cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, or to toxic chemicals, such as benzene.
Risk factor:
Older age >60
Previous chemo or radiation
Exposure to certain chemicals
Myelodysplastic Syndrome signs and symptoms
Fatigue
Shortnesss of breath
Pallor
Bruising or bleeding
Petechiae
Frequent infections
Leukemia
Cancer of the bone marrow which causes overgrowth of cancerous white blood cells and this in turn prevents the growth of red blood cells, platelets and normal white blood cells
Lymphoma
Solid tumor in the lymphoid tissue - may be in a lymph node or in the spleen, causes the overgrowth of lymphocytes
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is part of the body’s germ-fighting immune system. In Hodgkin’s lymphoma, white blood cells called lymphocytes grow out of control, causing swollen lymph nodes and growths throughout the body.
Hodgkin’s Lymphomas Symptoms
Painless swelling of lymph nodes in your neck, armpits or groin
Persistent fatigue
Fever
Night sweats
Losing weight without trying
Severe itching
Pain in your lymph nodes after drinking alcohol
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in your lymphatic system, which is part of the body’s germ-fighting immune system. In non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, white blood cells called lymphocytes grow abnormally and can form growths (tumors) throughout the body.
Signs and symptoms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Swollen lymph nodes in your neck, armpits or groin
Abdominal pain or swelling
Chest pain, coughing or trouble breathing
Persistent fatigue
Fever
Night sweats
Unexplained weight loss
Difference Between Hodgkins lymphoma and non Hodgkins lymphoma
Both Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma are types of lymphoma. Lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in white blood cells called lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are an important part of the body’s germ-fighting immune system.
The main difference between Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is in the specific lymphocyte each involves
If a specific type of cell called a Reed-Sternberg cell is seen, the lymphoma is classified as Hodgkin’s. If the Reed-Sternberg cell is not present, the lymphoma is classified as non-Hodgkin’s.
Multiple Myeloma
Cancer that causes the overgrowth of plasma cells in the bone marrow. This in turn results in excess secretion of cytokines as well as antibodies. Prevents the growth of red blood cells. Platelets and normal white blood cells
Treatment for hematologic (blood) cancers
Chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy as well as stem cell transplant. With any of the blood cancers patient will be at risk for anemia, neutropenia and Thrombocytopenia = implement precautions and complete patient teaching