๐ฉ- Hematology Test Flashcards
Hematological assessment
Alcohol
Chronic alcoholism is associated with nutritional deficiencies and liver impairment, which decreases the ability of blood to clot
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 canโt 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, Hodgkinโs 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, Crohnโs 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 โค๏ธ 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 bodyโs 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, โpins-and-needlesโ 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