220 non-malignant disorders

What defines anemia?

Hemoglobin below normal → ↓ RBCs, ↓ oxygen delivery, or poor Hgb quality.

Common symptoms of anemia?

Fatigue, weakness, pallor, SOB, dizziness.

Key nursing priorities for anemia?

Assess cause, monitor labs, treat underlying issue, provide oxygen support if needed.

3 main types of anemia?

Hemolytic, hypoproliferative, blood loss.

Hemolytic anemia definition?

Premature destruction of RBCs.

Hypoproliferative anemia definition?

Decreased RBC production.

What happens in hemolytic anemia?

RBC destruction → ↑ bilirubin → ↑ reticulocytes.

Causes of hemolysis?

RBC defects (SCD, G6PD), immune causes, mechanical injury.

Most common cause of iron deficiency anemia?

Blood loss or inadequate intake.

Lab findings in iron deficiency anemia?

↓ Hgb, ↓ Hct, ↓ iron, ↓ ferritin.

Unique symptoms anemia?

Glossitis, cheilitis, burning tongue.

How should oral iron be taken?

Empty stomach, with vitamin C.

What should be avoided with iron?

Milk, antacids, antibiotics.

Expected side effects of iron?

Dark stools, constipation, nausea.

Teaching for liquid iron?

Use straw, brush teeth after.

Cause? anemia of renal disease

↓ erythropoietin from kidneys.

Treatment? anemia of renal disease

Epoetin alfa

Key side effect of epoetin alfa?

HTN

Causes? megaloblastic anemia

Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency.

Key lab finding? megaloblastic anemia

↑ MCV (large RBCs).

Unique B12 symptom?

Neurological deficits (paresthesia, ataxia).

What is required for B12 absorption?

Intrinsic factor.

Folate deficiency treatment?

Oral folic acid.

Pernicious anemia treatment?

Lifetime B12 injections.

What is aplastic anemia?

Bone marrow failure → pancytopenia.

Causes? aplastic anemia

Idiopathic, radiation, drugs, toxins.

Key diagnostic test? aplastic anemia

Bone marrow biopsy.

Treatment? aplastic anemia

Stem cell transplant, immunosuppressants.

Major risks?

Infection + bleeding.

What is polycythemia?

Too many blood cells → ↑ viscosity.

Primary vs secondary difference?

Primary = bone marrow disorder; secondary = hypoxia-driven.

Causes of secondary polycythemia?

COPD, smoking, high altitude.

Signs of increased viscosity? polycythemia

Headache, dizziness, clots.

Skin finding? polycythemia

Ruddy complexion.

polycythemia main tx

Phlebotomy.

polycythemia meds

Aspirin, hydroxyurea, allopurinol.

Definition? thrombocytopenia

low platelets

symptoms thrombocytopenia

Bleeding, petechiae, bruising.

Priority interventions?

Bleeding precautions, fall prevention.

When does HIT occur?

5–10 days after heparin.

Treatment? HIT

Stop heparin, use alternative anticoagulant.

Cause? ITP (Immune Thrombocytopenia)

Autoimmune platelet destruction.

Why no platelet transfusions? ITP (Immune Thrombocytopenia)

Antibodies destroy them.

Treatment? ITP (Immune Thrombocytopenia)

Steroids, IVIG, splenectomy.

Hemophilia A cause?

Factor VIII deficiency.

Hemophilia B cause?

Factor IX deficiency.

Von Willebrand disease?

↓ vWF → impaired clotting.

What is DIC? (Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation)

Simultaneous clotting and bleeding.

Cause? DIC

Underlying condition (sepsis, trauma).

Lab findings? DIC

↓ platelets, ↑ PT/PTT, ↑ D-dimer.

Key complication? DIC

MODS (multi-organ failure).

Priority treatment? DIC

Treat underlying cause.

Definition? neutropenia

ANC <1500.

Most important symptom?

Fever.

What is a medical emergency? n

Fever in neutropenia.

Medications? neutropenia

Filgrastim, sargramostim.

Infection prevention strategies? neutropenic precautions

Hand hygiene, mask, private room.

What should be avoided?

Sick visitors, flowers, fresh fruit, invasive procedures.

Patient teaching? home

Avoid crowds, good hygiene, high-protein diet.

Iron deficiency hallmark lab?

↓ ferritin.

Pernicious anemia hallmark?

Neurologic symptoms.

Aplastic anemia danger?

Pancytopenia.

Polycythemia complication?

Clots → stroke.

DIC hallmark?

Bleeding + clotting simultaneously.