Screening 5 Flashcards
Leukocyte disorders are recognized as the body’s reaction to
- disease
- foreign invaders
What are the two leukocyte disorders we discussed?
- leukocytosis
- leukopenia
leukocytosis =
increased neutrophils
leukopenia =
too few leukocytes
Too few leukocytes (leukopenia) is related to
- bone marrow failure
- never a beneficial condition
s/s of leukocytosis
- fever
- sx of localized or systemic infection
- inflammation
- tissue trauma
s/s of leukopenia
- sore throat
- cough
- high fever/chills
- ulcerations
- persistent infections
- frequent/painful urination
When is leukopenia commonly seen?
- following chemotherapy
- consider nadir
What is the nadir?
WBC count is at lowest level as a result of cancer tx
Important considerations for a pt at a nadir
If we know they will reach the nadir, must remember that they are more susceptible to infections during this time
Leukopenia: When does the nadir generally occur after cancer tx?
Usually between 7-14 days
What are the platelet disorders we discussed?
- thrombocytosis
- thrombocytopenia
Thrombocytosis is an increase in
platelet count
Why/when does thrombocytosis usually occur?
usually compensatory and temporary after surgery
What factors can influence platelet count?
- diet
- exercise
- liver disease
- radiation
- chemotherapy
