Module 2: Hematologic and Cardiovascular Pathophysiology

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering hematologic and cardiovascular pathophysiology for NP board preparation, based on Chapters 28–33 of McCance & Huether's Pathophysiology.

Albumin

The most abundant plasma protein; it controls plasma oncotic pressure and acts as a carrier protein for drugs, hormones, and fatty acids.

Neutrophils (PMNs)

The most abundant white blood cells ($57$%–$67$%) that act as first responders to phagocytose bacteria; immature forms are called 'bands,' and their presence indicates a 'shift-to-left' in acute infection.

Erythropoietin (EPO)

A hormone secreted by the kidneys in response to tissue hypoxia that drives erythropoiesis.

Ferritin

The major intracellular iron storage protein; low levels serve as the most sensitive early marker for iron deficiency anemia.

Hepcidin

The master regulator of iron homeostasis that rises during inflammation, trapping iron in macrophages and making it unavailable for erythropoiesis.

Thrombocytopenia

A condition where the platelet count falls below $100,000/mm^3$; spontaneous bleeding risk significantly increases when the count is below $20,000/mm^3$.

von Willebrand Factor (vWF)

A protein necessary for platelet adhesion to damaged subendothelium by bridging the platelet GPIb receptor to collagen.

Pernicious Anemia

A macrocytic-normochromic anemia caused by a lack of intrinsic factor (IF) from gastric parietal cells, leading to Vitamin $B_{12}$ malabsorption and irreversible neurological damage.

Polycythemia Vera (PV)

A primary absolute polycythemia caused by a JAK2 mutation, resulting in autonomous overproduction of RBCs regardless of EPO levels.

Philadelphia Chromosome

A chromosomal translocation ($BCR-ABL1$) that is a characteristic diagnostic marker for Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML).

Reed-Sternberg Cells

Malignant, binucleate B cells that are pathognomonic for Hodgkin Lymphoma.

Multiple Myeloma

A malignancy of plasma cells characterized by the production of M protein and Bence Jones proteins, following the 'CRASH' mnemonic: Hypercalcemia, Renal failure, Anemia, and Bone lytic lesions.

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)

A paradox of simultaneous widespread clotting and severe bleeding, often triggered by sepsis, leading to the consumption of clotting factors and platelets.

TTP (Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura)

A thrombotic microangiopathy caused by $ADAMTS13$ deficiency, presenting with a pentad of thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia (schistocytes), neurological changes, renal failure, and fever.

Fetal Hemoglobin (HbF)

A form of hemoglobin containing $2$ alpha and $2$ gamma chains; it has a higher oxygen affinity than adult $HbA$ to facilitate oxygen transfer from the mother.

Sickle Cell Disease

An autosomal recessive disorder where valine is substituted for glutamic acid on the beta-globin chain, resulting in the production of abnormal $HbS$.

Hemophilia A

The most common severe inherited coagulation disorder, caused by a deficiency in Factor VIII.

G6PD Deficiency

An X-linked recessive disorder where the lack of a specific enzyme leaves RBCs vulnerable to oxidative stress, leading to Heinz bodies and episodic hemolysis.

Frank-Starling Law

The principle that the greater the myocardial stretch (preload), the greater the force of contraction, within physiologic limits.

Ejection Fraction (EF)

The ratio of stroke volume to end-diastolic volume; normal values are $55$%–$70$%, while HFrEF is defined as less than $40$%.

Atherosclerosis

An inflammatory disease of the arteries initiated by endothelial injury and the accumulation of oxidized LDL, leading to the formation of foam cells and fatty streaks.

STEMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction)

A medical emergency caused by complete coronary occlusion resulting in transmural ischemia, requiring a door-to-balloon time of less than $90$ minutes.

Troponin I

The most specific and sensitive cardiac biomarker for myocardial infarction, which elevates within $2$–$4$ hours and peaks at $24$–$48$ hours.

Cor Pulmonale

Right-sided heart failure specifically occurring as a result of chronic pulmonary disease, such as COPD.

Infective Endocarditis (IE)

An infection of the heart valves characterized by vegetations and clinical signs such as Osler nodes (painful) and Janeway lesions (non-painful).

Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)

A congenital heart defect featuring a continuous 'machinery' murmur and bounding pulses, treated with indomethacin to promote closure.

Coarctation of the Aorta

A narrowing of the aortic lumen resulting in hypertension in the upper extremities and decreased or absent pulses in the lower extremities.

Tetralogy of Fallot

A cyanotic heart defect consisting of four components: VSD, overriding aorta, pulmonary stenosis, and RV hypertrophy.

Kawasaki Disease

An acute systemic vasculitis in children diagnosed by the 'CRASH and Burn' criteria, presenting a high risk for coronary artery aneurysms.