Leukemia

Question 1

What is Leukemia

Answer 1

A proliferation of immature WBCs that take up space resulting in decreased RBCs, Platelets, and immunity.

Question 2

Manifestations of Leukemia are a result of what? (2)

Answer 2

Bone marrow failure-> the bone marrow stops producing components

Leukemic infiltrates -> WBCs invading organs and tissues causing dysfunction

Question 3

People with leukemia are predisposed to what conditions (3)

Answer 3

Anemia, thrombocytopenia, decreased immunity

• RBCs carry oxygen so less of them results in anemia

*Low platelets leads to increased risk of bleeding

• WBCs function in inflammation and immunity

Question 4

What manifestation result due to infiltrates of WBCs

Answer 4

• splenomegaly
• hepatomeglay
• bone pain
• meningeal irritation

Question 5

What happens that is life threatening when WBC level is too high in blood?

Answer 5

Leukocytosis (Thickening of blood)

Question 6

Decreased lymphocytes leads to what symptoms from immunosuppression? (2)

Answer 6

Fever and Infection

Question 7

Decreased erythrocytes leads to what symptoms from Anemia (2)

Answer 7

Weakness, Pallor

Question 8

Decreased Platelets leads to what symptoms from thrombocytopenia(3)

Answer 8

• Papura, petechaie, bruising

Question 9

Main DX fro leukemia include what? (2)

Answer 9

Peripheral Blood Smear
- Bone marrow exam

Question 10

These txs are the main tx fro leukemia but also cause many side effects

Answer 10

Radiation and Chemo

Question 11

How to care for Stomatitis, Esophagitis, and Mucositis related to Chemo/ Rad tx

Answer 11

• Assess lesions
• Provide nutrional supplements
• No acidic or spicy foods
• Bland moist foods are best

Question 12

How to care for pts expericing anorexia from tx

Answer 12

• Monitor wt
• Eat small, frequent meals
• Meals should be high in protein and calories
• Create a pleasent enviornment for patinet

Question 13

How to care for constipation w/ tx

Answer 13

• Encourage high fiber and increased fluids
• AMBULATE!!!

Question 14

What to do for leukopenia

Answer 14

Monitor WBC count
- REPORT increase in body temp or signs of infection
- Avoid large crowds and sick people

Question 15

What to do for thrombocytopenia

Answer 15

Observe for signs of bleeding
- monitor platelet count

Question 16

Alopecia Care

Answer 16

• Pick wig that resembles closely to patinet’s natural hair
• Cut long hair before starting tx

Question 17

N/v Care

Answer 17

• Encourage pt to eat whe nnot nauseous
• Treat with antiemetic before chemo and on a PRN basis

Question 18

Diarrhea

Answer 18

• SE of Chemo
• Low fiber, low residue foods only
• Give fluids and electrolytes

Question 19

Chemo brain

Answer 19

• Use planner
• exercise brain
• focus only on 1 thing at a time no multitasking

Question 20

With Leukemia its important to remember with care

Answer 20

• maximize patients physical fxn
• teach pts that SE are temp
• Encourage pts to discuss Q of L issues

Question 21

Even after discharge and in remission what is important to teach patient

Answer 21

To carefully manage disease and follow up with provider