Hematologic and Renal Emergencies

Red Blood Cells

make up the majority of the cells in circulation and give blood its characteristic red color. Contain hemoglobin that binds to oxygen and are responsible for oxygen delivery to cells

White Blood cells

are critical blood cells that respond to infection and are major medicators of the bodies immune response

Platelets

are actually fragments of larger cells, and are crucial to the formation of clots

Plasma

the liquid in which the blood cells and platelets are suspended

coagulopathy

defined as abnormal clotting of blood

Anemia

deficiency in the normal number of red blood cells in the circulation

Sickle cell disease

inherited disease in which patients have a defect in their hemoglobin that results in an abnormal structure of red blood cells. Results in chronic anemia

UTIs

the most common disease process that afflicts the renal and urinary system. Cause by bacteria, and are limited to the bladder causing symptoms of painful and frequent urination

pyelonephritis

the infection of a UTI spreads up the bladder to the ureter and into the kidney

Kidney Stones

painful common condition related to the renal system. usually made of calcium and are formed within the kidney

Urinary Catheter

a flexible tube inserted into the bladder to drain urine, often used in patients who are unable to urinate naturally.

renal failure

renal failure occurs when the kidneys lose their ability to adequately filter the blood and remove toxins and xcess fluid from the body

Hemodialysis

the most common form of dialysis in the United States, a patient is connected to a dialysis machine that pumps the blood through specialized filters to remove toxins and excess fluid

Thrill

a vibration felt over a blood vessel or fistula, indicating turbulent blood flow associated with arteriovenous access.