Hematologic & Renal Emergencies Flashcards
1
Q
Blood represents it’s own organ system..What are the functions?
A
– Clotting
– Delivery of oxygen and removal of CO2
– Removal and delivery of waste products to organs that remove them
2
Q
What is Blood Made Of?
A
• Made up of solid components – Red blood cells – White blood cells – Platelets – Plasma • Medications can affect some components of blood
3
Q
Anemia
A
• Lower-than-normal amount of red blood cells • Acute anemia – Sudden blood loss • Chronic – Excessive menstrual periods – Slow gastrointestinal bleeding – Diseases affecting bone marrow
4
Q
Sickle Cell Anemia
A
• Genetic disease affecting RBCs • More prevalent in certain ethnicities – African Americans – Indian or Middle Eastern descent • Defective shape resembles a sickle • Cells have a short life span leading to anemia
5
Q
Complications of Sickle Cell Anemia
A
- Destruction of spleen
- Sickle pain crisis
- Acute chest syndrome
- Priapism
- Stroke
6
Q
Treatment of Sickle Cell Anemia
A
- High flow supplemental oxygen
- Monitor for respiratory distress
- Monitor for signs of hypoperfusion
- Transport to stroke center if stroke is suspected
7
Q
Think About It: Sickle Cell Anemia
A
- One in twelve African Americans have the sickle cell trait.
- Sickle cell trait doesn’t always lead to complications.
- Possible to lead a normal life with sickle cell trait.
8
Q
Renal System Components & Function
A
• Components – Two kidneys – Two ureters – One urethra • Responsible for filtering blood and removing waste • Maintains fluid balance • Maintains acid/base balance
9
Q
Renal Failure
A
- Occurs when kidneys lose ability to adequately filter and remove toxins
- Acute failure typically results from shock or toxic ingestion
- Chronic failure may be inherited or secondary to damage from uncontrolled diabetes or hypertension
10
Q
End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
A
• Irreversible renal failure • Requires dialysis – Hemodialysis – Peritoneal dialysis • 90% receive hemodialysis in specialized centers
11
Q
Think About It: Renal Disease
A
- More than 350,000 people in America receive some type of treatment for ESRD.
- Only 8% treat themselves at home.
- ESRD patients often rely on EMS for transport to and from dialysis.
12
Q
Hemodialysis
A
- Patient connected to a machine that pumps blood through specialized membranes
- Treatments last several hours, multiple times a week
13
Q
Hemodialysis
• Two types of access to blood circulation
A
– Two-port catheter
– A-V fistula
14
Q
Peritoneal Dialysis
A
- Uses peritoneal cavity’s large surface area
- Special fluid infused into abdominal cavity and left for several hours to absorb waste and excess fluid
- Fluid is removed and discarded
15
Q
Medical Emergencies in ESRD
A
• Two broad groups – Loss of kidney function – Complication of dialysis • Most dialysis patients have underlying medical factors – Diabetes – Hypertension
