Module 2: Hematologic Conditions Flashcards
Normal Laboratory References
WBCs: 4.5-11
Platelets: 150-350
Hemoglobin: 13.9-16.3 (males); 12.0-15.0 (females)
Hematocrit: 41-53 (males); 36-46 (females)
Hematologic Disorders
Disorders of the hematopoietic system (production and maturation of RBCs, WBCs, and platelets)
Primary hematopoiesis:
- Hematopoietic cells are committed and developed in the bone marrow
- Primary disorders occur during cell development
Secondary hematopoiesis:
- Storage sites: Spleen and lymph
- Secondary disorders
Common hematologic disorders:
- Leukemia/lymphoma
- Anemia — Types: Blood loss, chronic illness, nutritional (iron, B12, or folic acid deficiencies), and sickle cell
- Thrombocytopenia
Assessment of Patients with Hematologic Disorders
Risk factors & PMHX:
- Genetic tendency
- Bone marrow depressing meds.
- Chemical or radiation exposure
- Infectious disease (especially viral)
- Nutrition
Suspicious S/S:
- Bleeding
- Bruising
- Pale/cyanotic
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Frequent infections
Physical examination is based upon risks and differential diagnosis
Diagnosis of Hematologic Disorders
Complete Blood Count (CBC):
- H&H, RBC count
- RBC indices (provide information about the Hgb content and size of RBCs) — differentiates nutritional anemias
- WBC count
- Platelets
Extended hematologic studies:
- Reticulocytes (immature RBCs)
- Iron studies — detect iron deficiency anemia
- Nutritional studies — i.e. folate level
Bone marrow biopsy (based on CBC) — it is performed if RBCs, WBCs, and platelets are all abnormal; extremely invasive (addresses leukemia)
Coagulation profile:
- Prothrombin time (PT)
- Partial thromboplastin time (PTT)
- Fibrinogen level
Chemistry tests (indicate hemolysis):
- LDH
- Bilirubin
Anemia
Inadequate RBC quantity or RBC dysfunction; classified by etiology and cell characteristics
CMs: Decreased oxygen-carrying capacity and tissue perfusion
Contributing factors:
- Hgb: Amount of heme protein that carries oxygen (best indicator)
- Hct: Measurement of how much of blood is made up of RBCs (affected by fluid volume)
Reticulocytes
Relatively immature precursor to mature RBC
Indicative of:
- RBC turnover (bone marrow release of immature cells)
- Recent acute loss of blood cell mass (i.e. bleeding or hemolysis), causing early bone marrow release of reticulocytes
Elevated (>2% of RBC count) with blood loss; hemolysis usually higher
Anemias
Types of anemia:
1. Aplastic anemia: bone marrow does not produce any blood cells
- Nutritional anemia: specific cellular abnormalities directly related to lack of nutrient
- Hemolytic anemia: inappropriate lysis of RBCs outside normal spleen/liver pathways
- Bone marrow dysfunction: inadequate stem cells or differentiation in marrow
- Blood loss
- Anemia of chronic illness: metabolic depletion of reserve and inability to replenish RBCs
Anemia: Signs and Symptoms
CV system (Compensatory mechanisms wrt low oxygen-carrying capability):
- Tachycardia
- Full, bounding pulses
- Cardiac murmurs
- HTN
CV system (Due to non-effective compensatory mechanisms or volume loss):
- Weak, thready pulses
- Hypotension
- Cool extremities
Neurological system:
- HA
- Confusion
- Cognitive impairment
Respiratory system:
- Tachypnea
- Dyspnea
GI/GU:
- Oliguria
- Constipation
Other S/S:
- Acidosis
- Hypothermia
- Fatigue
- Pallor
- Blood loss
- Bruising
Iron Deficiency Anemia
Iron deficiency is the most prevalent nutritional deficiency in the world
Related to:
- Chronic blood loss (i.e. Menstrual bleeding, CA, ulcerative colitis, PUD)
- Insufficient absorption (i.e. Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, PPIs and NSAID use)
“Hallmark” CMs:
- Pica: compulsion to eat non-food items (often resolved with iron repletion)
- Glossitis: painful, smooth, red tongue; cracks in corners of the mouth
- Koilonychias: spooning and thinning nails — due to blood flow abnormalities
Iron supplements are constipators (and can exacerbate anemia) — admin. with ascorbic acid and encourage fluid intake
Nutritional Anemia: Nursing Diagnosis & Interventions
Nursing diagnosis of patients with nutritional anemias:
- Inadequate tissue perfusion
- Fatigue
- Activity intolerance
Interventions & education of patients with nutritional anemias:
- Decrease/minimize blood loss
- Increase dietary iron (i.e. dark-green leafy greens, meats, iron-fortified cereal/bread)
- Increase dietary vitamin C (promotes iron absorption)
- Limit calcium supplements (interfere with iron absorption)
- Dietary supplements
- Report S/S of anemia: SOB, increased fatigue, and bleeding
Vitamin B12 Anemia
More likely to cause neurological and psychiatric dysfunction (related to demyelination of nerves)
“Hallmark” CMs of vitamin B12 anemia:
- Paresthesia: numbness and tingling in hands and feet
- Lhermitte sign: electric shock sensation with neck flexion
- Depression
- Impaired taste and balance
- Visual disturbances
- Tinnitus
Sources of vitamin B12:
- Meat
- Dairy
- Seafood
- Eggs
- B12 supplements (Oral and injection)
Folic Acid Anemia
Folate acid insufficiency is associated with:
- Gastric bypass surgery
- Whipple procedure (pancreatic CA surgery)
- Alcoholism — increased risk of pancytopenia (suppressed production of different cell types)
- Oral contraceptives
- Metformin
- Chemotherapy
Neurological symptoms: Confusion or disorientation (common)
Folic acid supplements are inducers of Phenytoin/Dilantin (increased risk of seizure breakthrough)
Nursing Care & Management of Patients with Anemia
Nursing care of patients with anemia:
- Balance physical activity, exercise, and rest
- Adequate nutritional support and supplemental admin. (i.e. iron, EPO, oxygenation)
- Blood transfusions
Management of patients with anemia:
- Ensure adequate safe perfusion
- IV fluids, blood transfusions, protein/coagulation factors, and crystalloid fluids admin.
- Remove underlying cause of exacerbation
- Reduce oxygen demands
- Bone marrow stimulants (EPO) admin. when Hgb <10 — Monitor for HTN and hyper-coagulability, and ensure adequate ferritin and iron precursors
- Immunosuppressives admin. if etiology of lysis is autoimmune
- Blood and marrow transplant (BMT)/Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) if there is permanent stem cell damage
Blood Transfusion: Administration
Types of blood transfusion:
- Whole blood
- Packed RBCs
- FFP
- Platelets
Equipment:
- Normal Saline (always admin. with blood products)
- Blood tubing with/without filters
Timing:
- Patient timing
- Transfusion timing (wide open vs. over 3 hours)
- RN timing
Pre-Assessment:
- Lung sounds
- Skin
- Vitals
Checking blood (2 nurses):
- Consent for blood
- Patient ID
- Blood type of patient
- Blood type of product
- Blood ID number
- Expiration date
- Special preparations (neutrophils/irradiated)
Blood Transfusion: Signs and Symptoms of Reactions
ALLERGIC RXN:
- Facial flushing
- Hives/rash
- Anxiety
- Wheezing
- SOB
- Hypotension (histamines causes BVs to widen)
FEBRILE RXN:
- Fever
- Chills
- Anxiety
- HA
- Tachycardia
- Tachypnea
HEMOLYTIC RXN:
- Chest pain
- Hemoglobulinuria
- Lower back pain
- Fever
- Chills
- Tachycardia
- Hypotension
- Tachypnea