Chapt 29-30 Alterations of Hematologic System

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to alterations of the hematologic system.

Q: What is anemia?

A condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood, leading to reduced oxygen transport to tissues, resulting in symptoms like fatigue and weakness.

Q: What are the main causes of anemia?

• Not making enough RBCs (nutritional deficiency, bone marrow issues).

• Losing too much blood (injury, heavy periods, internal bleeding).

• Destroying RBCs too quickly (autoimmune diseases, infections).

Q: What are the symptoms of anemia?

Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, fast heart beat, shortness of breath, and dizziness, often due to reduced oxygen delivery to tissues.

Q: What are the three major types of anemia?

1. Normocytic-Normochromic (normal RBC size and color, but too few).

2. Macrocytic (Megaloblastic) (RBCs are too big and don’t work well).

3. Microcytic-Hypochromic (RBCs are too small and lack hemoglobin).

Q: What is Pernicious Anemia?

A type of macrocytic anemia caused by a deficiency of vitamin B12 due to impaired absorption, often linked to autoimmune gastritis or lack of intrinsic factor.

Q: What causes Folate Deficiency Anemia?

Folate Deficiency Anemia is caused by insufficient folate intake or absorption, which leads to the production of abnormally large red blood cells that cannot function properly.

Q: What causes Iron Deficiency Anemia?

Iron Deficiency Anemia is caused by insufficient iron levels, leading to decreased production of hemoglobin and smaller, less effective red blood cells.

Q: What is Anemia of Chronic Disease?

A type of anemia associated with chronic inflammatory conditions that interfere with red blood cell production, often characterized by normal or increased iron stores and impaired iron utilization.

Q: What is Aplastic Anemia?

Aplastic Anemia is a rare condition characterized by the failure of the bone marrow to produce adequate amounts of blood cells, causing fatigue, increased risk of infections, and uncontrolled bleeding.

Q: What is Hemolytic Anemia?

A: A condition where RBCs are destroyed too fast, leading to jaundice and anemia.

Q: What is Polycythemia?

A condition characterized by an increased number of red blood cells in the bloodstream, leading to thicker blood, increased risk of thrombosis, and a variety of cardiovascular issues.

Q: What causes Polycythemia Vera?

Polycythemia Vera is primarily caused by a mutation in the JAK2 gene, leading to overproduction of red blood cells, which can increase blood viscosity and related complications.

Q: What is Relative Polycythemia?

A condition where red blood cell levels appear elevated due to decreased plasma volume, often caused by dehydration or other factors that reduce fluid in the bloodstream.

Q: What is Thrombocytopenia?

A condition characterized by an abnormally low number of platelets in the blood, which increases the risk of bleeding and can result from various causes, including bone marrow disorders or increased platelet destruction.

Q: What are two major causes of thrombocytopenia?

1. ITP (Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura) – The immune system attacks platelets.

2. TTP (Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura) – Clots form inside small blood vessels, using up platelets.

Q: What is Thrombocythemia?

A condition characterized by an abnormally high number of platelets in the blood, which can lead to an increased risk of thrombosis and may result from bone marrow disorders or other underlying conditions.

Q: What is DIC?

A serious condition characterized by widespread activation of the coagulation cascade, leading to the formation of blood clots throughout the small blood vessels, which can cause organ damage and bleeding due to consumption of platelets and clotting factors.

Q: What causes DIC?

DIC can be triggered by severe infections, cancer, trauma, or complications in pregnancy. It leads to an over activation of the clotting system, resulting in organ failure and bleeding.

Q: What is Leukocytosis?

A condition characterized by an increased number of white blood cells in the blood, often indicating infection, inflammation, or hematological disorders.

Q: What is Leukopenia?

A condition characterized by a decreased number of white blood cells in the blood, which can increase the risk of infection and may be caused by various factors such as bone marrow failure, certain medications, or viral infections.

Q: What causes Neutropenia?

Neutropenia is a condition characterized by a low number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell essential for fighting infections. Causes can include bone marrow disorders, autoimmune diseases, severe infections, and certain medications.

Q: What is Eosinophilia?

A condition characterized by an elevated number of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell often associated with allergic reactions, parasitic infections, and certain blood disorders.

Q: What is Monocytosis?

A condition characterized by an increased number of monocytes, a type of white blood cell that plays a role in the immune response. Monocytosis can occur due to chronic infections, inflammatory diseases, or certain cancers.

Q: What is Leukemia?

A: A cancer of WBCs where they grow too fast and don’t work properly.

Q: What are the two types of Acute Leukemia?

1. Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) – Common in children.

2. Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) – Common in adults.

Q: What are the two types of Chronic Leukemia?

1. Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) – Linked to Philadelphia chromosome.

2. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) – Affects B cells.

Q: What is Lymphoma?

A cancer of the lymphatic system, characterized by the abnormal growth of lymphocytes. It can present as Hodgkin lymphoma or non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Q: What are the two main types of lymphoma?

• Hodgkin Lymphoma – Has Reed-Sternberg cells and is often curable.

• Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma – Affects B-cells or T-cells.

Q: What is Burkitt Lymphoma?

A highly aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, usually affecting B-cells, mostly seen in Africa , and often linked to the Epstein-Barr virus. It is characterized by rapid tumor growth and can present in the jaw or abdomen.

Q: What causes Mono?

Mononucleosis, commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, leads to symptoms such as fatigue, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.

Q: What are the symptoms of Mono?

A: Extreme fatigue, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes.

Q: What is Splenomegaly?

A condition characterized by an enlargement of the spleen, often due to infections, liver diseases, or blood disorders ( low blood counts) .

Q: What is Hypersplenism?

A condition where the spleen is overactive, leading to the excessive removal of blood cells, resulting in low blood cell counts and potential anemia.

Q: What is the treatment for severe splenic disorders?

A: Treatment often includes splenectomy, corticosteroids, or other medications to manage symptoms and underlying conditions.