Hematologic Disorders Flashcards

Polycythemia vera is a condition characterized by the overproduction of multiple blood cell types.

Pathophysiology: In this disorder, the bone marrow produces an excessive number of Red Blood Cells (RBCs), White Blood Cells (WBCs), and platelets.
Blood Viscosity: The primary consequence of this overproduction is that the blood becomes significantly thicker.
- pt become tachycardia
Clinical Manifestations:
- Hypertension.
- Enlarged liver (hepatomegaly).
- Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly).
Complications: Patients faces a high risk for both thrombosis (clot formation) and hemorrhage.
Nursing care: avoid iron supplements, implement therapeutic phlebotomy.

Aplastic anemia represents a severe hematologic condition defined by bone marrow dysfunction.

Pathophysiology: There is a complete failure of the bone marrow to produce blood cells
Clinical Findings: Patients present with low counts across three major cell types: RBCs, WBCs, and platelets = pancytopenia
Medical Management: Treatment is primarily focused on the identification and treatment of the specific underlying cause of the marrow failure.
- nursing care: blood transfusion (can cause iron overload) and bone marrow transplant

This disorder involves the self-destruction of Red Blood Cells driven by the immune system.

Mechanism: The body produces antibodies that destroy RBCs. These antibodies are specifically active at normal body temperature.
Etiology: Common causes include infections, adverse drug reactions, and certain types of cancers.
S/S: pallor, dyspnea, fatigue, jaundice and excessive bilirubin.
Nursing care: blood transfusion and corticosteroids.

Causes: This form of anemia is caused by a diet that is insufficient in iron, the body's inability to absorb enough iron from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, or significant blood loss.
Treatment: Management includes the administration of iron supplements and the consumption of foods naturally rich in iron.
- take on empty stomach, along with vitamin C and avoid milk
S/S: pallor, cold, activity dyspnea & syncope

Pathophysiology: This condition is rooted in an issue with the absorption of vitamin $B_{12}$ in the stomach.
Surgical Triggers: It can be a secondary complication of surgeries such as gastric bypass or a gastrectomy.
Test: CBC and serum B12 test.

Sickle cell anemia is a hereditary disorder that requires intensive management, particularly during acute phases.

Sickle Cell Crisis: Nursing and medical care focus on responding to the signs and symptoms of a sickle cell crisis.
S/S: No speech, chest pain, hypoxia → hypoximia → eschimia = tissue death
Management: Medical treatment and nursing care are specialized for patients currently experiencing a crisis event.
- hydroxyurea: med for sickle cell crisis.

Definition: Thrombocytopenia is a condition where there are too few platelets circulating in the bloodstream.
- s/s: blood in the urine (hematuria), gum bleeds, nosebleeds (epitaxis) and patechia (bruising under skin).
Etiology: A major underlying cause of this condition is the administration of chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
- leads to damage in the bone marrow.
Nursing care: bleeding precautions, avoid constipation, NSAIDS and aspirin.
Risk for hemorrhage = medical emergency especially in the brain.

always secondary condition
Widespread clotting and bleeding somewhere else.
s/s: hematuria, GI bleeding, changes in LOC, renal dysfunction and potential shock

DIC is a complex disorder of the clotting cascade that presents in two primary forms:

Acute DIC:
- Characterized by an abnormal and significant increase in blood clotting.
- This form is always secondary to another underlying pathologic process.
Chronic DIC:
- This form occurs to a lesser degree than the acute version, allowing the body to compensate.
- In chronic cases, patients are more likely to develop venous or arterial thrombolytic events rather than hemorrhaging.

Hemophilia is a genetic bleeding disorder that is more commonly observed in men.

Classification:
- Hemophilia A: Characterized by a deficiency in Factor VIII ( $8$ ) clotting factor.
- Hemophilia B: Characterized by a deficiency in Factor IX ( $9$ ) clotting factor.
Primary Clinical Sign: The occurrence of deep, internal bleeding.
Medical Treatment:
- Biological Treatment: Use of prophylaxis to prevent bleeding episodes.
- Replacement Therapy: Providing the specific missing clotting factor to the patient.
Nursing Care: Nursing interventions are centered around strict bleeding cautions.