Hemorrhagic, Musculoskeletal, and Integumentary Disorders

Flashcards covering hemorrhagic disorders, clotting abnormalities, types of anemia, inflammation phases, sepsis, musculoskeletal conditions like Rhabdomyolysis and Arthritis, and various integumentary (skin) infections and infestations.

What percentage of blood volume is made up of plasma and what are its primary components?

Plasma makes up $55\%$ of blood volume; it consists of approximately $92\%$ water, $6-7\%$ proteins (albumin, antibodies, fibrinogen), and small amounts of dissolved substances like electrolytes, hormones, and vitamins.

Identify the three categories of blood cells and their respective functions.

1. Erythrocytes (Red blood cells): Responsible for oxygen transport via hemoglobin. 2. Leukocytes (White blood cells): Responsible for immune system and inflammatory responses. 3. Thrombocytes (Platelets): Function in blood clotting and hemostasis.

What factors are required for the successful arrest of bleeding (hemostasis)?

Hemostasis depends on adequate numbers of platelets, normal levels of coagulation factors, and the absence of defects in vessel walls.

Distinguish between petechiae, ecchymosis, and hematoma.

Petechiae are $3\text{-mm}$ red-purple discolorations common in capillaries; ecchymosis is a simple bruise; a hematoma is a larger palpable lesion created by extravasated blood.

Define Thrombocytopenia and name three potential clinical presentations.

Thrombocytopenia is a decreased number of platelets in the blood. It may present with petechiae, purpura, ecchymosis, hemoptysis, hematemesis, or hematochezia/melena.

Which specific clotting factors are deficient in Hemophilia?

Hemophilia involves a decrease in Factor VIII (Antihemophilic factor) and Factor IX (Plasma Thromboplastin Component).

How does Von Willebrand Disease (VWD) differ from Hemophilia in terms of demographics and symptoms?

VWD affects genders equally (unlike Hemophilia which is more common in males), symptoms are generally milder, and it results in bleeding in mucous membranes and skin (purpuric).

Which clotting factors require Vitamin K for synthesis in the liver?

Prothrombin and procoagulant factors VII, IX, and X require Vitamin K for synthesis.

In liver disease, which coagulation factor is the first to decline and why?

Factor VII is the first to decline because of its rapid turnover rate.

What characterizes Pernicious Anemia?

It is a megaloblastic anemia caused by a lack of Vitamin $B_{12}$ or folic acid, often due to a lack of intrinsic factor (IF) in the gastric mucosa, which prevents B12 absorption in the ileum.

List the Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) criteria.

A clinical response with $\ge 2$ of the following: Temperature > 38^{\circ}\text{C} or $< 36^{\circ}\text{C}$, Heart Rate $> 90\,\text{beats/min}$, or Respiratory Rate > 20\,/ ext{min}.

What is the primary pathophysiology of Rhabdomyolysis?

Damaged muscle tissue releases myoglobin, which is nephrotoxic and can lead to acute renal failure, and potassium ($K^+$), which can cause hyperkalemia and heart dysrhythmias.

What are the '5 Ps' used in the assessment of Compartment Syndrome?

Pain, Pallor, Paresthesia, Pulselessness, and Paralysis.

How do Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) differ in their pathology?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative 'wear and tear' disorder of articular cartilage, while Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease causing destruction of joint tissue and the formation of granulation tissue called pannus.

What causes the inflammation associated with Gout?

Deposits of uric acid crystals in the joints, resulting from impaired renal excretion or metabolic abnormalities in purine metabolism.

What is the most common cause of Necrotizing Fasciitis?

Streptococcus Group A.

What is the characteristic appearance of Impetigo sores?

Reddish sores that burst and become 'golden honey crusted' in appearance, typically caused by staphylococci bacterium.

Describe the stages of Lyme Disease infection.

Stage 1: Localized infection with erythema migraines (bull's-eye rash). Stage 2: Disseminated infection with secondary rashes, myalgias, or carditis. Stage 3: Late persistent infection including arthritis or encephalopathy.

What is Scabies and how is it transmitted?

An itchy skin rash caused by the burrowing mite Sarcoptes scabiei, transmitted via close person-to-person skin contact or shared clothing/bedding.

What is the recommended decontamination procedure for paramedics after a bed bug call?

Use complete isolation gear, dispose of gear in biohazardous bags, double-bag uniforms for designated cleaners, notify cleaners in advance, shower, and treat the ambulance with a heat machine ($45^{\circ}\text{C}$ for over an hour).