Exam 1 - Hematology + Abx Intro Flashcards
(190 cards)
Describe the difference between low and high anysocytosis
Anysocytosis = variation in blood cell size (RDW)
Low = uniform size = normal
High = variance, can imply more than one cause of anemia
Which two substances inhibit platelet aggregation?
Prostacyclin and nitrous oxide
In which thrombocytopenia is bleeding rare, despite a low platelet count, due to platelets being large and hyperfunctional?
ITP (immune mediated thrombocytopenia)
How to confirm a diagnosis of G6PD deficiency?
G6PD lab assay
(not during acute hemolysis though, will give a false negative)
Heatstroke treatments
- Lower temperature with spray mist and fans or ice packs to groin/axillae
- Correct dehydration, usually IV fluids
True or False.
If a patient has had a previous anaphylactic reaction to penicillin, they should avoid carbapenems.
False.
They should avoid using cephalosporins, a different b-lactam.
Which leukemia is associated with particularly high neutrophils and basophils?
CML (chronic myeloid leukemia)
Most common causes of secondary polycythemia
- Smoking
- COPD
- OSA
- Obesity
- High altitude
Three things that may be seen on peripheral smear of a patient with a hemolytic anemia
- Spherocytes
- Sickle cells
- Schistocytes
An anemic patient in their 60s presents with complaints of fatigue, weakness, infections, and bleeding/bruising.
CBC reveals pancytopenia and macrocytic RBCs. The patient has a low reticulocyte count.
What is your next step to confirm a diagnosis?
Could be myelodysplastic syndrome or aplastic anemia, both need bone marrow biopsy to confirm
In iron deficiency anemia, what must always be confirmed before giving an iron supplement?
The cause!
Three common (broad) reasons for neutrophilia (>10,000)
- Inflammation
- Splenectomy
- Serious bacterial infections
Most patients with hemolysis get this supplement as part of their treatment
Folate
Is the leukemia associated with the Philadelphia chromosome more common in men or women?
CML is more common in men
Which medications can cause drug induced hemolytic anemia?
- Penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics
- NSAIDs
- Acetaminophen
- Hydrochlorothiazide
Name and describe the three (broad) types of polycythemia
- Relative: normal RBC, fluid down
- Secondary: elevated EPO due to hypoxia
- Primary: bone marrow disorder
You suspect hemolysis in a patient.
Characteristic lab findings are present, including low Hgb, high LDH, low haptoglobin, and high indirect bilirubin.
You order a peripheral smear and see schistocytes
What is your likely diagnosis?
Microangiopathic hemolysis
(TTP, HUS, DIC, etc.)
Which, RBC or Hgb count, is a better indicator of health/O2 carrying capacity?
Hemoglobin (Hgb)
On peripheral smear of a patient with sickle cell trait/disease you may see sickle shaped RBCs as well as ….
Howell-Jolly bodies
Describe the basic pathophysiology of heat exhaustion
Inadequate cardiac output as peripheral vessels vasodilate due to strenuous exercise and/or environmental heat stress
Down syndrome is linked with this leukemia in adulthood
AML (acute myeloid leukemia)
(ALL = childhood)
In immune mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP), would you expect to see more severe symptoms in a younger or older patient?
Younger: “child, following a cold, wakes up with bruises all over”
(Elderly are often asymptomatic)
True or False.
DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulopathy) is always a primary process.
False.
DIC is always a secondary process
(secondary to a disease state that causes a person to run out of clotting proteins)
Celiac disease is associated with this type of anemia
Iron deficiency anemia (due to malabsorption)