Leukemia Exam Review

Flashcards covering essential blood components, leukemia types, pathology, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment (including HSCT), and nursing care for leukemia patients.

What are the three main cell types in blood?

Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes), White Blood Cells (Leukocytes), and Platelets (Thrombocytes).

What is the primary function of Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes)?

To transport oxygen from lungs to tissues and carbon dioxide back, containing hemoglobin for gas exchange.

What is the role of White Blood Cells (Leukocytes) in the body?

They are the body's defense against infection, identifying and destroying harmful bacteria, viruses, and abnormal cells.

What is the function of Platelets (Thrombocytes)?

They are crucial for hemostasis, forming clots to stop bleeding and initiating tissue repair.

What is leukemia?

Leukemia is a cancer that originates in the bone marrow, causing overproduction of immature white blood cells (blast cells).

How does the overproduction and crowding of blast cells in leukemia affect the body?

It leads to decreased RBCs (fatigue, poor perfusion), thrombocytopenia (increased bleeding/bruising risk), and decreased healthy WBCs (increased infection risk).

Name some risk factors for developing leukemia.

Exposure to chemicals & radiation (e.g., benzene), previous cancer treatment (chemotherapy/radiation), genetic syndromes (e.g., Down syndrome), smoking, family history, and Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS).

What are some general manifestations of leukemia?

Persistent fatigue & weakness, unintentional weight-loss, easy bruising/bleeding, and constipation.

What immune system indicators might suggest leukemia?

Recurrent infections, frequent fevers, and prolonged recovery from illness.

What cardiopulmonary symptoms can be associated with leukemia?

Shortness of breath, increased respiratory rate, and tachycardia.

What are the three main steps in diagnosing leukemia?

Initial blood tests (CBC, blood smears), bone marrow biopsy (confirms diagnosis), and lumbar puncture (checks for CNS spread).

What is Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) characterized by?

It is the most aggressive form of leukemia with rapid progression, primarily affecting older adults and myeloid stem cells.

What is Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) characterized by?

It is characterized by rapid overproduction of immature lymphocytes (lymphoblasts) and is the most common childhood leukemia.

What is the molecular signature of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML)?

CML is defined by the presence of the Philadelphia chromosome (BCR-ABL fusion gene), found in >95% of cases.

How has the treatment for CML been revolutionized?

It has been revolutionized by tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) like imatinib, which target the BCR-ABL protein, transforming CML into a chronic manageable disease.

What characterizes Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)?

It is the slowest-growing leukemia, characterized by the accumulation of small, mature-appearing lymphocytes, with many patients remaining asymptomatic for years.

What is the purpose of conditioning in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT)?

High-dose chemotherapy and/or radiation destroys diseased marrow and suppresses the immune system to prevent graft rejection.

What is chimerism in the context of HSCT and why is it significant?

Chimerism refers to the presence of both donor and recipient cells post-transplant; progressive donor chimerism is a key indicator of successful engraftment and immune reconstitution.

Name a significant complication of HSCT where donor T-cells attack recipient tissues.

Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD), which can manifest acutely or chronically, impacting multiple organ systems.

What are some key nursing care plan interventions for leukemia patients?

Implement neutropenic precautions, bleeding precautions, vital signs monitoring, infection surveillance, nutritional support, symptom management, and energy conservation.