Leukemia

Question 1

Leukemia

Answer 1

Uncontrolled production of leukocytes in bone marrow.
Bone marrow becomes crowded with immature WBCs.
Production of blood cells then decreases.
Lymphoid or myeloid.
TYPES:
1. Acute: sudden onset, short duration.
2. Chronic: slow onset, persists over years.

Question 2

Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML)

Answer 2

Most common form of adult onset leukemia.
Mostly adults, average onset is 60 years.
Proliferation of malignant blast cells.
Blast cells are not programmed. to die, so they can keep producing and cause numerous malignant cells.
These cells accumulate in bone marrow and other tissues.

Question 3

Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)

Answer 3

10% of adult onset.
Genetic Component
Proliferation of lymphoblasts.
The malignant cells fail to mature and cannot carry on normal immune functions.
They will infiltrate other normal tissues such as liver, spleen, and lymph nodes.

Question 4

Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML)

Answer 4

20% of adult onset leukemia.
Usually patients older than 50 years.
Some normal myeloid cells but also a pathologic production of blast cells.

Question 5

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

Answer 5

Most often found in patients older than 50 years old.
B lymphocytes do not have apoptosis.

Question 6

Clinical Manifestations of Leukemia

Answer 6

Fever
Neutropenia
Fatigue
Elevated Heart Rate
Slow Capillary Refill
Increased Respiratory Rate
Pallor, Cool Skin
Bruising, Bleeding, Petechiae
Weight Loss, Anorexia, Fatigue
Headache
Bone, Joint Tenderness

Question 7

Pancytopenia Manifestations

Answer 7

Anemia
Immunodeficiency
Neutropenia
Thrombocytopenia

Question 8

Diagnosis of Leukemia

Answer 8

Patient History
Lab Values: CBC
Decreased Hemoglobin and Hematocrit
Decreased Platelets
Elevated WBC
Bone Marrow Biopsy

Question 9

Medical Treatment of Leukemia

Answer 9

Chemotherapy
Bone Marrow Transplant

Question 10

Nursing Diagnoses for Leukemia

Answer 10

Risk for Infection
Risk for Bleeding
Acute Pain
Fatigue
Activity Intolerance
Impaired Physical Mobility
Anxiety
Knowledge Deficit

Question 11

Nursing Interventions for Leukemia

Answer 11

Infection Prevention
Thrombocytopenia Precautions
Administration of blood products.
Administration of chemotherapy.
Monitor for nutritional status.
Frequent rest periods.
Psychosocial Support
Patient Education