π©- Hematology Test Flashcards
Hematological assessment
Alcohol
Chronic alcoholism is associated with nutritional deficiencies and liver impairment, which decreases the ability of blood to clot
Hematological assessment
Vitamin K
Diets high in vitamin k may increase the rate of blood coagulation
What past medical history should be asked in reference to hematological assessment
Ask about any chronic diseases
Liver disorders can cause decreases clotting factors
How can cholelithiasis contribute to clotting deficiency
Cholelithiasis (gallstones)
Gallstones obstruct the bile duct interfering with bile secretion.
Bile is needed to absorb vitamin k
Green tea
Goldenseal and green tea can reduce the effect of certain anticoagulants, which increases the risk thromboembolism
Hemoglobin
O2 carrying component of a red blood cell
What are the 2 main functions of erythrocytes (red blood cells)
- To pick up O2 from the lungs and transport it to systemic tissues
- To pick up carbon dioxide from the tissues and deliver it in the lungs
Hemostasis
Blood clotting
What are the 5 stages of hemostasis
1 vasospasm 2 formation of the platelet plug 3 clot formation 4 clot retraction 5 clot dissolution
A low Hct would suggest
Anemia, hemodilution or massive blood loss
A high Hct would suggest
Polycythemia or hemoconcentration caused by blood loss or dehydration
A low Hb level may indicate
Anemia, recent hemorrhage or fluid retention causing hemodilution
A high Hb level suggests
Hemoconcentration from polycythemia or dehydration
Normal range of RBC in men and women
Men - 4.71 to 5.14 million
Women - 4.20 to 4.87 million
Normal range of hematocrit in men and women
Women 38-44%
Men 43-49%
Normal range of hemoglobin in men and women
Men 13-18
Women 12-16
Normal reticulocyte count
0.5-2.5% of the total RBC count
Increased levels: hemolysis or blood loss; therapeutic response
Decreased levels: inadequate RBC production (pernicious anemia) or hypoproliferative bone marrow (hypoplastic anemia)
What is a reticulocyte
A non-nucleated , immature RBC that remains in the peripheral blood for 24 to 48 hours while maturing
Pernicious anemia
Occurs when the body canβt properly absorb vitamin b12 from the gi tract
What is needed by the body to absorb vitamin b12
Intrinsic factor ; which is released cells in the stomach
Vitamin b12 is needed for the proper development of RBC
Hemoglobin electrophoresis
Used to separate and measure normal and abnormal hemoglobin
Help diagnose thalassemia
Thalassemia
Defective synthesis in one or more of the polypeptide chains needed for Hb production
Leukocyte alkaline phosphate
Enzyme produced by normal mature neutrophils
Elevated levels may result from infection, stress, inflammation, steroid use and leukemia
Coombs test
Detects the presence of immunoglobulins (antibodies) on the surface of RBC that develop through sensitization to antigens (such as Rh factor)
Performed to diagnose hemolytic disease of the newborn, to investigate hemolytic transfusion reactions and to aid in differential diagnosis of hemolytic anemias
Positive test may indicate sepsis
Ferritin
Is a protein that stores iron in the body(liver)
Low levels may indicated iron deficiency, chronic gi or heavy menstrual bleeding
High levels may indicate alcoholic liver disease, hemochromatosis , hemolytic anemia, Hodgkinβs lymphoma and megaloblastic anemia
Hemochromatosis
Excessive iron absorption
Transferrin
A plasma protein, transports circulating iron obtained from dietary sources of from breakdown of RBC for use in Hb synthesis or to the liver, spleen and bone marrow for storage
Used to determine Fe transporting capacity of the blood and evaluate Fe metabolism in Fe-deficiency anemia
TIBC
Total iron-binding capacity
Measure the amount of Fe that appears in plasma if all transferrin is saturated with Fe
Why is Fe significant
Essential to the formation and function of Hb
What are bone marrow biopsies used to diagnose
Different blood disorders:
Thrombocytopenia , leukemias, granulomas, anemias and primary metastatic tumors
To determine cause of infection, to help stage diseases such as Hodgkins, to evaluate chemo and to monitor myelosuppression s
Name the 5 sites that a bone marrow biopsy can be performed
Sternum Anterior/posterior iliac crest Vertebral spinous process Rib Tibia
List bone marrow after procedure care
1 apply direct pressure until bleeding stops/ cover with a sterile dressing
2 rest for several hours
Report bleeding that soaks the dressing or continues for more than 24 hours
Hematological age related changes
Blood volume decreases
Bone marrow produces fewer blood cells
Lymphocytes decrease
Iron deficiency anemia
Inadequate intake of iron
Due to hemorrhage and chronic blood loss or poor absorption caused by celiac disease, Crohnβs disease and chronic use of NSAIDS
Body exhausts its iron stores
Clinical manifestations of iron deficiency anemia
Fatigue and pallor due to O2 deficiency
Tachycardia , tachypnea due to β€οΈ and lungs attempting to compensate for the hypoxemia
GLOSSITIS
KOILONYCHIAS
Shortness of breath
Glossitis
Painful swelling of the tongue, which appears smooth and shiny because of the flattening of the lingual papillae
Koilonychias
Are a result of severe, prolonged iron deficiency as the cells of the fingernail are soft and malleable
How is IDA diagnosed
From a CBC
With decreased Hb and Hct , low serum ferritin levels (less than or equal to 100)
Also: tibc, transferrin and mean corpuscular volume MCV
What are dietary sources of Fe
Meat (especially red meat), dark green leafy vegetables , beets, dried beans, iron-fortified breakfast cereals and breads and cream of wheat
Oranges and grapefruit increase vitamin C which may improve Fe absorption
Complications of ida
Psychomotor abnormalities and cognitive impairment occur in children which impairs learning and the ability of the child to function adequately
Name 3 nursing diagnoses associated with ida
1 inadequate tissue perfusion
2 fatigue
3 activity intolerance
What is a cause of cobalamin deficiency
Vitamin b12
Inadequate sources of b12 or malabsorption disorders that make b12 unavailable for body use
Give examples of malabsorption disorders
Gi resections Autoimmune disorders including AIDS Alcoholism Crohn's disease Celiac disease Use of ppi's or h2 blockers
What are dietary sources of b12
Meat
Seafood
Eggs
Dairy products
Where is b12 absorbed
In the ileum of the small intestine
What causes pernicious anemia
Lack of intrinsic factor
Complications of b12 deficiency
Neurological and psychiatric dysfunction, visual disturbances (inability to distinguish yellow and blue or blindness)
Impairs DNA synthesis and the bodyβs ability to produce RBC
Clinical manifestations of b12 deficiency
Clinical manifestations:
Pallor, Tachycardia ,Tachypnea , Shortness of breath Fatigue ,Dizziness
Neurological clinical manifestations:
Peripheral neuropathy ,Altered mental status ,Depression ,Visual disturbances ,PARESTHESIA , alternating constipation and diarrhea , anorexia, menstrual problems, weight loss, glossitis, low-grade fever and tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Mood swings, coordination and balance, impaired taste/stinging sensation on tongue
Paresthesia
Tingling or prickling, βpins-and-needlesβ sensation; usually temporary, often occurs in the arms, hands, legs, or feet.
Methylmalonic acid (MMA) and what does an excess amount indicate
Tests for b12 deficiency
Excess amounts indicate lack of b12 in the tissues
Folic acid and b12 aid in what
DNA synthesis and the formation of heme
What are dietary sources of folic acid
Green leafy vegetables
Bran
Yeast
Legumes
Nuts
Fortified cereals, grains (wheat flour)
Complications of folic acid deficiency
Neural tube defects and some congenital orofacial abnormalities
Where is folic acid absorbed
In the jejunum of the small intestine
List 3 specific medications that may interfere with folic acid absorption
Oral contraceptives
Metformin
Chemotherapeutic agents (fluorouracil)
Clinical manifestations of folic acid deficiency
Pallor Tachycardia Tachypnea Dizziness Fatigue Decreased platelets, ^ risk of bleeding
Neurological clinical manifestations
Confusion/disorientation
Pancytopenia
Overall decreased proliferation of RBC, WBC and platelets
Associated with alcoholism and folic acid deficiency
Why is it essential to differentiate between a folic acid deficiency and a b12 deficiency
Because folic acid replacement may reverse anemia , but the neurological degeneration that occurs in b12 deficiencies will continue and may become irreversible
Homocysteine and MMA levels in a folic acid deficiency
Homocysteine levels are elevated
MMA levels remain normal
Homocysteine and MMA levels in a b12 deficiency
Homocysteine levels are normal
MMA levels are elevated
Sickle cell anemia
Genetic disorder of hemoglobin
RBC become elongated and stiff , Vaso-occlusion of blood vessels
Sickle cell crisis is most often caused by
Hypoxia , increasing vasoconstriction and sickling of RBC
Where is sickle cell pain usually felt
Joints, bones, chest and abdomen
What 4 things are done/given to a patient during a SCD crisis
Oxygen
Hydration
Analgesia
Antibiotics
List 3 ways to treat SCD
- hydroxyurea
- exchange blood transfusion
- peripheral stem cell transplantation
Hydroxyurea
Chemotherapeutic agent
Increases fetal hemoglobin production
Results in reduction in acute chest syndrome in those with frequent and severe crises
**causes myelosuppresion (decreases ability of the bone marrow to produce any type of blood cell)
Exchange blood transfusions
Entire blood volume is exchanged
Goal is maintaining the sickles hemoglobin to no more than 50% of the total hemoglobin in order to prevent or delay episodes including CVA
Graft-versus-host disease
Occurs when the recipients immune system attacks the donor cells
Used in SCD and lymphoma
What are first line measures to decrease the incidence of crises
- prophylactic use of penicillin to prevent pneumococcal infection
- vaccinations
- maintaining adequate hydration
What are complications of SCD
Acute chest syndrome
CVAβs
Infection
Death from long term organ damage
Infection and SCD
Pneumonia is common so annual flu vaccines are recommended
What are the clinical manifestations of SCD
Fatigue Pallor Tachycardia Tachypnea Shortness of Breath Jaundice
What are 4 nursing diagnoses associated with SCD
1 impaired tissue perfusion
2 activity intolerance
3 acute pain
4 risk for powerlessness
True or false: Fever maybe present without infection in SCD
True
Why are SCD patients more prone to infection
Because of impaired function of the spleen , need for updated immunizations , annual flu and pneumonia vaccine ,
SCD teaching
- infection prevention
- preventing a crisis (avoid overexertion, tight clothes, being cold, dehydration, high altitudes)
- therapy and counseling for coping with chronic disease
- genetic counseling
Polycythemia
Aka erythrocytosis
Increase in the production of RBC
Polycythemia Vera
Primary polycythemia
A disorder of the bone marrow in which there is an increased production of RBC, WBC and platelets
What is the cause of polycythemia Vera
Mutation in Janus kinase 2 or JAK2 gene
JAK2 is associated with signal transduction to hematopoietic cells
What is the cause of secondary polycythemia
Occurs in response to the bodyβs hypoxia state and maybe considered appropriate or inappropriate
Clinical manifestations of polycythemia Vera
Headache Dizziness Weakness Splenomegaly (feeling full in L upper abdomen) Shortness of breath while supine Blurred vision PRURITUS AFTER A BATH Nosebleeds Bleeding gums
What is the difference between primary and secondary polycythemia
Primary all blood products are elevated (RBC WBC and platelets)
Secondary WBC and platelets remain normal
Therapeutic phlebotomy
Involves removing blood to decrease blood volume and viscosity
** a unit of blood (350-500ml) is removed weekly until the hematocrit is less than 45% then only as needed
What treatments can be administered to manage polycythemia
1 therapeutic phlebotomy 2 chemotherapy (hydroxyurea or interferon to suppress bone marrow production) 3 antiplatelet medications (anagrelide or low dose aspirin)
List 5 Interventions for polycythemia
- medications to minimize itching
- avoid extreme temperatures
- drink atleast 3 L of fluid daily
- avoid tight clothing
- elevate feet at rest
Complications of polycythemia Vera
Thrombosis and hemorrhage
Increased risk of death secondary to CVA , β€οΈ attack, pulmonary embolism
List 11 bleeding precautions
- Soft bristle toothbrush , no flossing
- Electric razor
- Wear house shoes
- Clutter-free environment
- Daily stool softener
- No rectal thermometers, suppositories, enemas or vagina know douches
- No sex with low platelet count (< 50,000)
- Donβt blow nose
- Use sharp blades on knives
- Apply direct pressure or ice to cuts for no less than 5 minutes until bleeding stops
- IM, arterial sticks and blood draws kept to a minimum
Thrombocytopenia
Reduced number of platelets below the range of 150,000-450,000
List 4 hemorrhagic conditions that cause thrombocytopenia
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
Hemophilia
Disseminated intravascular coagulation
Heparin induced thrombocytopenia
What is the concern of heparin use to maintain patency of central lines
May predispose patients to developing Heparin induced thrombocytopenia HIT
Hemophilia
Group of bleeding disorders where clotting factors are inadequate
VIII (hemophilia A)
IX (hemophilia B or Christmas disease)
Idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura
Immune system destroys platelets
Antiplatelet antibodies are formed
Hemarthrosis
Bleeding in the muscles and joints
Rebates to hemophilia
Clinical manifestations of thrombocytopenia
Bruising and petechiae
Nosebleeds
Bleeding gums
GI bleeds/ black, tarry stools
Hematuria
Medical management of thrombocytopenia
Glucocorticoids- increase platelet count by decreasing antiplatelet antibody production
Replace clotting factors
Stop heparin therapy
Which anticoagulant should NOT be given with HIT
Warfarin (Coumadin) should not finna used cuz it can cause skin gangrene
Which anticoagulants should be used in patients with HIT
Lepirudin and argatroban
Complications of thrombocytopenia
Risk of hemorrhage and spontaneous bleeding
List 3 nursing diagnoses associated with thrombocytopenia
1 risk of injury: bleeding
2 risk for effective therapeutic regimen management
3 fear
Hodgkinβs lymphoma is characterized by
The presence of Reed-Sternberg cells
Specific giant lymphocytes
Risk factors of obtaining Hodgkinβs lymphoma
More prevalent in whites
Infection with Epstein-Barr virus
First degree (parent or sibling) of someone with Hodgkinβs
Causes of non Hodgkinβs lymphoma
Linked to exposure to certain pesticides
Clinical manifestations of lymphoma
PAINLESS swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, underarm and groin
Low grade fevers Night sweats Unexplained weight loss Fatigue SOB Feeling of fullness- enlarged spleen or liver
Generalized pruritus with pronounced excoriated present in HD/alcohol induced pain
How is lymphoma diagnosed
Detailed history and physical examination
Lymph node biopsy
Medical management of lymphoma
Chemotherapeutic agents , radiation , stem cell transplant
Destroy mutant lymphoid cells and then replace them with healthy donor cells
Splenectomyβs can cause what
Respiratory problems due to inability to take deep breaths because of the spleens proximity to the diaphragm and high abdominal incision site
***Can cause pneumonia and atelectasis from not deep breathing
Complications from splenectomy surgery
Development of pancreatitis
Infection/sepsis
Complications of lymphoma
SVC syndrome Spinal cord compression HYPERcalcemia Myelodysplasia Severe hepatic or renal dysfunction Hyperviscosity VTE
SVC syndrome
Superior vena cava syndrome
Enlarging lymph node compresses the flexible superior vena cava
Leads to engorgement of the upper torso
Manifestations: edema of face and one or both arms, sob, chest pain or dysphasia
Myelodysplasia
Abnormal/impaired blood cell production
Low neutrophil count = increased risk of infection
How is hypercalcemia a complication of lymphoma
Because of metastasis to the bones that causes bond breakdown and Ca is released into the bloodstream
Ca level exceeds: 11 mg/dL
Manifestations: dehydration, polyuria, decreased neuromuscular activity, confusion, stupor, heart block and death
List 3 nursing diagnoses associated with lymphoma
1 risk for infection
2 activity intolerance
3 risk for ineffective coping
Nursing interventions associated with lymphoma
Administer IV fluids (insensitive fluid loss due to fever and night sweats)
Administer blood products
Administer chemotherapy agents
Heparin induced thrombocytopenia
Appears to be an autoimmune response of the body to the administration of heparin occurring 5 to 14 days after introduction
Causes multiple thrombi formation and spontaneous bleeding
Hemolytic transfusion reaction
Antigens present on the surface of RBC determine the ABO blood type of the patient
Antibodies to the ABO antigens are in the plasma, which means ABO antigens present on transfused blood will be attacked by the antigens in the recipients blood if they donβt have the same ABO antigens
What components of blood are commonly infused
RBC FFP (fresh frozen plasma) Platelets Granulocytes Clotting factors Albumin
Acute hemolytic reaction
Caused by infusion of ABO incompatible blood
Manifestations: fever, chills, hypotension, flank pain, vascular collapse
Interventions: stop transfusion immediately , notify provider , maintain blood pressure
Febrile nonhemolytic reaction
Antibody reaction to granulocytes or platelets in infused blood component
Manifestations: temp increase (1 degree C or 2 F) , check lols, headache, chest pain
Interventions: stop transfusion, notify provider, Monitor VS, possible administration of antipyretics, restart transfusion slowly
Circulatory overload
Administration rate higher than patient tolerance
Manifestations: headache, dyspnea, JVD, edema, increased BP
Interventions: stop transfusion, notify provider, Monitor VS, elevate HOB, possible administration of diuretics and oxygen, restart transfusion slowly
How long should blood transfusion last
1 1/2 to 4 hours
Assessment/observation during blood transfusion
Monitor closely during first 15 mins and every hour after
Assessment includes: VS, respiratory status and any symptoms of discomfort , dyspnea or itching
Mental health
Is ones ability to cope with and adjust to the recurrent stresses of everyday living
Mental illness
Evidenced by a pattern of behaviors that is conspicuous, threatening and disruptive of relationships or deviates from acceptable behaviors
Flight of ideas
Verbalizations are continuous and rapid and flow from one to another
Associative looseness
Verbalizations shift from one unrelated topic to another
The omnibus budget reconciliation act of 1981
Deinstitutionalization was rapid
Id
βPleasure principleβ
Behaviors are impulsive and may be irrational
Aimed primarily at experiencing pleasure and avoiding pain
Ego
The rational self or βreality principleβ
Experiences the reality of the external world, adapts to it and responds to it
Superego
βPerfection principleβ
The ego ideal and the conscience
The moralistic censoring force; develops from the ego in response to reward or punishment from others
Stress
Is the no specific response to the body to any demand made on it
List 4 things the degree of anxiety is influenced by
- how the person views the stressor
- the number of stressors being handled at one time
- previous experience with similar situations
- magnitude of change the event represents for the individual
Motivation
The gathering of personal resources or inner drive to complete a task or reach a goal
Conflict
A mental struggle, either conscious or unconscious resulting from the simultaneous presence of opposing or incompatible thoughts, ideas, goals or emotional forces such as impulses, denials or drives
Adaptation
An individuals ability to adjust to changing life situations using various strategies
Defense mechanisms
Unconscious intrapsychic reactions that offer protection to the self from a stressful situation
Behavioral patterns that protect the individual against a real or perceived threat
Crisis
Is a time of change or turning point in life when patterns of living must be modified to prevent disorganization of the person or family
List 5 common behaviors seen with illness
Denial Anxiety Shock Anger Withdrawal
5 Phases of crisis
- confusion, disbelief and high anxiety
- denial
- reality; anger and remorse
- sadness and crying
- reconciliation and adaptation
Nursing interventions during crisis
- provide accurate information that aids in realistic perception of the situation
- encourage venting of feelings
- identify family supports and adequate coping mechanisms
Premorbid Phase
Premorbid personality often indicates social maladjustment, social withdrawal, irritability and antagonistic thoughts and behavior
Phase II: the prodromal phase
The proteome of an illness referred to certain signs and symptoms that precede the characteristic manifestations of the acute, fully developed illness
- Substantial function impairment
- sleep disturbance, anxiety, irritability
- depressed mood, poor concentration, fatigue
What heralds the onset of psychosis at the end of the prodromal phase
Positive symptoms such as perceptual abnormalities, ideas of reference and suspiciousness
Phase III: schizophrenia
Psychotic symptoms are prominent:
Delusions Hallucinations Disorganized speech Grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior Negative symptoms
Phase IV: residual phase
Schizophrenia is characterized by periods of remission and exacerbation
Flat affect and impairment in role functioning
Dopamine theory
Antipsychotics decrease dopamine and schizophrenic symptoms
Reaction formation
Preventing unacceptable or undesirable thoughts or behaviors from being expressed by exaggerating opposite thoughts or types of behaviors
Intellectualization
An attempt to avoid expressing actual emotions associated with a stressful situation by using the intellectual process of logic, reasoning and analysis
Repression
Involuntarily blocking unpleasant feelings and experiences from ones awareness
Sublimation
Rechanneling of drives or impulses that are personally or socially unacceptable into activities that are constructive
Rationalization
Attempting to make excuses or formulate logical reasons to justify unacceptable feelings or behaviors