Blood Clotting, Hemorrhage, and Anemia

Flashcards on blood clots, hemorrhage and anemia.

Circulatory System

Contains arteries, veins, and capillaries; involves blood which consists of RBCs, white blood cells, and platelets.

Blood Clot Formation

Interruption of blood flow, which can lead to serious complications if the clot dislodges and travels.

Pulmonary Embolism (PE)

A blood clot that travels to the lungs, causing difficulty breathing and anxiety.

Myocardial Infarction (MI)

Heart attack; a clot can cause a myocardial infarction.

Stroke

A clot that travels to the brain.

D-dimer

A lab test used to detect blood clots; a high D-dimer indicates a clot is present.

PT/PTT

Clotting factor time tests that may be used, though D-dimer is more specific for detecting clots.

DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis)

A blood clot, usually in the lower extremities; dehydration can increase risk.

Anticoagulation Therapy

Treatment with blood thinners; elderly patients on anticoagulants are at higher risk for falls and bleeding.

Warfarin (Coumadin)

An anticoagulant medication; requires careful monitoring, especially in elderly patients due to fall risk.

Clinical Presentation of DVT

Redness and swelling at the site; most likely in the lower extremity.

Venous Doppler

Diagnostic test that may be ordered to detect a DVT.

Contrast Phenography

Diagnostic test that may be ordered to detect a DVT.

Hemorrhage

Excessive bleeding; adults can tolerate up to 14% blood loss.

Orthostatic Hypotension

A drop in blood pressure upon standing; a safety concern in patients with hemorrhage.

Clinical Presentation of Hemorrhage

Hemoptysis (coughing up blood), blood in vomit, bright red blood.

Bright Red Blood

Indicates a fresh bleed, not old blood.

Intracranial Hemorrhages

Bleeding in the brain, often due to traumatic injuries.

Role of the Nurse in Hemorrhage

Identify the source of bleeding; assess the amount and type of blood loss.

Anemia

A condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells; cells look pale under a microscope.

Pica

Unusual cravings (e.g., ice) which can be associated with anemia.

Iron Pills

Oral iron supplements used to treat iron deficiency anemia.

Iron-Rich Foods

Foods high in iron content, recommended for patients with iron deficiency.

Iron Infusions

A method for quickly raising iron levels, often used when oral supplements are ineffective or not tolerated.

Vinifur

A type of iron infusion medication.

Symptoms of Anemia

Shortness of breath, fatigue, pallor, heart palpitations, dizziness.

CBC (Complete Blood Count)

A lab test used to monitor red blood cell levels.

Iron Deficiency Anemia

Anemia caused by insufficient iron, which affects certain populations like pregnant women and vegetarians.

Vegetarians and Anemia

Vegetarians must be careful to obtain adequate iron and protein from their diets.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Can put elderly people at risk for falls; should be monitored in patients with hemorrhaging or anemia.

Homeostasis

The body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment.

RBCs

Red blood cells; a component of blood.

White Blood Cells

A component of blood; important for immune function.

Platelets

A component of blood; essential for blood clotting.

Blood Clot

An obstruction in a blood vessel that disrupts blood flow.

Anxiety (Psychosocial Impact)

A common psychological response to a blood clot, especially if it moves.

PTSD (Psychosocial Impact)

Post-traumatic stress disorder; may develop after experiencing a PE due to the sudden and frightening nature of the event.

Immobility

A state of limited movement that can put a patient at risk for blood clots.

D Dimer

Lab test that is most specific to blood clots. If it is high, there is a clot.

Ultrasound

May be ordered for a patient to detect blood clots, though the results should be confirmed by a D Dimer test.

CT Scan

May be ordered to detect blood clots.

Dehydration

A major risk factor for the development of DVTs.

Compression Stockings

Used to prevent the development of DVTs in post-op patients.

Padded Boots

Used to prevent the development of DVTs in post-op patients.

Venous Doppler

A diagnostic test ordered to detect a DVT in a lower extremity.

Frank Blood

Bright red blood, may be seen when vomiting in a patient who is hemorrhaging.

Acute Hemorrhage

A sudden loss of blood that results in anemia.

GI Bleed

Slow bleeding that occurs in the gastrointestinal tract that results in anemia.

Hemodilution

Occurs with pregnancy and leads to the need to supplement with iron.

Prenatal Vitamins

Vitamins given to women with iron in order to prevent anemia.

Arteries

Blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart.

Veins

Blood vessels that carry blood back to the heart.

Capillaries

Small blood vessels where oxygen and nutrients are exchanged.

Dislodged Clot

When a blood clot breaks free and travels through the bloodstream.

Brain (Clot Destination)

A clot can travel to the brain, causing a stroke.

Lungs (Clot Destination)

A clot can travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism.

Tissue Oxygenation

The process of delivering oxygen to tissues in the body; impaired by blood clots.

Post-Op Clot Risk

Post-operative patients are at risk for blood clots due to immobility.

Aging Adult Clot Risk

Older adults are at increased risk for blood clots.

DVT Risk Factors

Include immobility, older age, and dehydration.

Clinical Presentation of PE

Includes shortness of breath and chest pain; requires close monitoring.

Contrast Phenography

Another diagnostic test that may be ordered to detect a DVT.

Post-Op Monitoring

Nurses must closely monitor post-operative patients for signs of DVT and PE.

Labor & Delivery

Female patients often die of blood clots after labor and delivery.

Shock

Hemorrhage is associated with the onset of shock.

Hemoptysis

Coughing up blood, a clinical presentation of hemorrhaging.

Bright Blood

Indicates a recent bleed, as opposed to old blood.

Traumatic Injuries

Often associated with internal hemorrhages.

Bedside Assessment

Nurses must be able to pull back the covers and see if a patient is bleeding.

Blood pressure

Must be monitored in a patient who is hemorrhaging.

Red Blood Cells

Should be nice and red and not pale in a healthy patient.

Slow Bleeding

May cause the hemoglobin level to decrease over time.

CBC Monitoring

Important lab to monitor in patients with anemia.

Clotting Factor Tests

PT and PTTs, may be ordered for patients that are bleeding.

Iron-Rich Foods

Important to include in the diet of anemic patients.

Environmental Factors

Must be considered, as certain populations are at higher risk for iron deficiency anemia.

B12 Deficiency

Can increase the risk for falls amongst the elderly.

Disease Processes

Are important for nurses to educate patients on, as they may impact bleeding, clotting, and/or anemia.

Medications and Patient Teaching

Medications and proper administration must be taught to the patients.

Anticoagulants

Medications that prevent blood clots.

Hemorrhage

Excessive bleeding that can lead to shock.

pallor

A sign of anemia.

Fatigue

A sign of anemia.

Dizziness

A sign of anemia.

dyspnea

A sign of anemia.

Heart palpitations

A sign of anemia.

Environmental Safety

Always a nursing priority when a patient is actively bleeding, anemic, or at risk for bleeding or clotting.

Hemodialution

Increased plasma volume that occurs during pregnancy causing a reduction in the concentration of red blood cells.

Blood transfusions

May be necessary for patients with acute hemorrhages or severe anemia.

Allergies

Potential risk associated with iron infusions that may cause shortness of breath.

Pulmonary Embolism

A sudden blockage in a lung artery, typically caused by a blood clot.

Venous Stasis

Slow blood flow in the veins.

Hypercoagulability

Increased tendency for blood to clot.

Endothelial Damage

Injury to the lining of the blood vessels.

Virchow's Triad

The three broad categories of factors that are thought to contribute to thrombosis.

Elastic Stockings

Provide external pressure and reduce venous stasis.

Elevating extremities

Promoting venous return to the heart.

Sequential Compression Devices

Mimic normal muscle activity and promote venous return.

Heparin

An anticoagulant that is administered by injection.

Vitamin K antagonist

Warfarin requires careful monitoring.