hematology

Hematologic System

The system that comprises blood, blood components, and organs responsible for blood formation and function.

Erythropoiesis

The production of red blood cells (erythrocytes) from myeloid stem cells through various stages, including erythroblasts and reticulocytes.

Hemoglobin

A protein in red blood cells composed of iron and protein; responsible for oxygen transport.

Thrombocytes

Also known as platelets, they are blood cell fragments crucial for blood clotting and hemostasis.

Mononuclear Phagocyte System (MPS)

A system of specialized tissue macrophages that arise from monocytes, involved in immune response and the removal of old or damaged cells.

Plasma

The liquid component of blood, constituting about 55% of its volume, consisting mainly of water, proteins, and electrolytes.

Total Blood Volume

The total volume of blood in the body, approximately 7-8% of body weight.

Thrombocytopenia

A condition characterized by a low platelet count, increasing the risk of bleeding.

Splenectomy

Surgical removal of the spleen, performed for conditions causing excessive blood cell destruction.

Acute Hemolytic Reaction

A serious transfusion reaction caused by donor blood incompatibility with the recipient's blood type.

Iron Deficiency

A condition where there is inadequate iron available for hemoglobin synthesis, potentially leading to microcytic anemia.

Oxyhemoglobin

Hemoglobin bound to oxygen; present in arterial blood, aiding in the transport of oxygen from the lungs to tissues.

Fibrinogen

A soluble plasma protein converted into fibrin during the clotting process, playing a vital role in hemostasis.

Bone Marrow

The primary site of hematopoiesis (blood cell formation), consisting of red and yellow marrow.

Hemostasis

The process that prevents and stops bleeding, involving vascular constriction, platelet plug formation, and coagulation.

Immunosenescence

The age-related decline in immune system function, leading to increased vulnerability to infections.

Leukocytosis

An increased number of white blood cells (leukocytes) typically indicating infection or stress.

Antihistamines

Medications used to relieve allergic symptoms; they can also be used in managing transfusion-related allergic reactions.

Compliance and Education in Transfusion

The nurse's responsibility to verify blood transfusion protocols, educate patients about risks, and monitor for complications.

Platelet Aggregation

The clumping together of platelets to form a platelet plug at the site of injuries in blood vessels.

Transfusion Reaction

An adverse response to a blood transfusion, which can range from mild allergic reactions to severe and life-threatening complications.

Erythropoietin

A hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulates the production of red blood cells in response to low oxygen levels.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

A basic blood test that provides important information about the cellular components of blood, including leukocytes, erythrocytes, and platelets.

Therapeutic Apheresis

A medical procedure that removes specific blood components from a patient, often used to treat various hematologic disorders.

Delirium in Blood Transfusions

A possible complication of blood transfusions, characterized by acute confusion or altered mental state.

Anemia

A condition in which there is a deficiency in the number or quality of red blood cells, leading to decreased oxygen transport.

Vaccination Requirements Post-Splenectomy

Patients who undergo spleen removal may require vaccinations to prevent life-threatening infections due to compromised immunity.

Eosinophils

A type of granulocyte involved in allergic reactions and protection against parasitic infections; characterized by bright red granules.

TRALI (Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury)

A serious and potentially fatal reaction to transfusion, characterized by acute lung injury and respiratory distress.

Coagulation Tests

Laboratory tests that evaluate the blood's ability to clot; includes Prothrombin Time (PT) and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT).

Hematologic Disorders

Medical conditions affecting the blood, including anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia.

Autologous Donation

Blood donation by a patient for their own future use, typically before scheduled surgery.

Natural Killer (NK) Cells

A type of lymphocyte that provides rapid responses to virally infected cells and detecting early signs of cancer.

Sternal Aspiration

A procedure to extract bone marrow samples from the sternum for diagnostic evaluation.

Hypoxia

A condition of inadequate oxygen supply to tissues, often triggering erythropoietin production.