Hematology Refresh (NR324)

50 vocabulary flashcards covering anemia, hematologic disorders, and transfusion-related care.

Anemia

A condition in which the blood has insufficient red blood cells or hemoglobin, reducing oxygen delivery to tissues.

Altered perfusion

Nursing diagnosis describing inadequate blood flow and oxygenation to tissues due to anemia.

Impaired gas exchange

Nursing diagnosis indicating reduced oxygen intake and CO2 removal because of low oxygen-carrying capacity.

Fatigue

Extreme tiredness from decreased cellular energy production due to hypoxia.

Self-neglect

Nursing diagnosis describing neglect of nutrition or self-care, potentially from bulimia or poor intake.

Imbalanced nutrition

Diet that lacks sufficient iron, B12, or folate needed for red blood cell production.

Pain

Discomfort associated with anemia or sickle cell crises.

Knowledge deficit

Lack of education about anemia and its management.

Iron deficiency anemia

Anemia caused by inadequate iron for hemoglobin synthesis.

Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia

Anemia due to insufficient vitamin B12 affecting red blood cell production.

Pernicious anemia

B12 deficiency caused by autoimmune loss of intrinsic factor; requires injections.

Epoetin alfa

Erythropoiesis-stimulating agent that promotes red blood cell production.

Packed red blood cells (PRBCs)

Blood product containing concentrated red blood cells used to treat anemia.

Blood transfusion

Administration of donor blood or products to a patient.

Bone marrow transplant

Procedure to replace diseased bone marrow with healthy marrow.

Sickle cell crisis

Acute painful episode due to red blood cell sickling and vaso-occlusion.

Vaso-occlusive crisis

Blockage of small blood vessels by sickled cells causing ischemic pain.

Hypoxia

Inadequate oxygen supply to tissues.

Tissue necrosis

Death of tissue from prolonged hypoxia or ischemia.

Hydroxyurea

Medication that reduces sickling of red blood cells and frequency of crises.

Stem-cell transplant

Transplant of hematopoietic stem cells to restore bone marrow function.

Aplastic anemia

Bone marrow failure with hypocellularity and reduced blood cell production.

Pancytopenia

Simultaneous reduction of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Low white blood cell count

WBC count below normal range, increasing infection risk.

Low red blood cell count

RBC count below normal range, contributing to anemia.

Low platelets (thrombocytopenia)

Platelet count below normal, increasing bleeding risk.

Polycythemia

Excess red blood cells leading to thicker blood and higher risk of clotting.

Primary polycythemia (Polycythemia vera)

Myeloproliferative disorder with increased RBC production.

Secondary polycythemia

Increased RBC production due to chronic hypoxia or other conditions.

Platelet count <150,000

Threshold used to define thrombocytopenia.

Leukopenia

White blood cell count below normal range.

Neutropenia

Low neutrophil count, increasing infection risk.

ANC <1

Absolute neutrophil count below 1 (x10^9/L), indicating severe neutropenia.

Neutropenic precautions

Infection control measures for neutropenic patients (hand hygiene, masks, restricted visitors).

Handwashing

Essential practice to remove pathogens and prevent infection.

Private room

Single-occupancy room to reduce infection exposure for vulnerable patients.

Blood administration

Process of giving a blood product to a patient.

Type and crossmatch

Laboratory testing to ensure donor blood matches recipient.

Blood consent

Informed consent for transfusion.

2-RN verification

Two registered nurses independently verify patient, product, and details before transfusion.

Pre-medications

Medications given before transfusion to prevent reactions (if ordered).

Transfusion reaction

Adverse response to a transfusion.

Acute hemolytic reaction

Severe reaction from incompatible blood causing rapid hemolysis.

Febrile reaction

Fever during transfusion, often due to antibodies or cytokines.

Mild allergic reaction

Itchy skin, hives, or flushing during transfusion.

Anaphylaxis

Severe allergic reaction with airway compromise and possible shock.

Circulatory overload

Fluid overload from transfusion causing pulmonary edema.

TRALI

Transfusion-related acute lung injury with respiratory distress.

Sepsis (transfusion-related)

Severe infection risk associated with transfusion in some contexts.

Transfusion reaction management

Steps to manage reactions: stop transfusion, keep IV open with saline, notify provider/blood bank, save product and tubing, collect samples, monitor vitals, and follow policy.