Hematology and Immunology Flashcards
(135 cards)
Iron Deficient Anemia
Decrease in hemoglobin due to insufficient iron intake or some kino of malabsorption syndrome that prevents the absorption of iron
Anemia
Decreased red blood cell count
Medications we can provide to help with this epoetin alfa which helps to increase red blood cell count and Ferrus sulphate
Increase foods high in iron folate and B12
Extra rest periods, anemia can make you fell very fatigued
Risk factor off anemia in young children
Excess intake of cows milk
cows milk = low in iron, the milk will fill them up leading to less consumption fo iron rich foods
symptoms of anemia
Fatigue
Pallor
Shortness of breath
Tachycardia
Anemia Labs
Low Hemoglobin
Low Hematocrit
Decrease red blood cells
Low MCH, MCV, Ferritin
Treatment of anemia
Iron Supplementation
Ferrous sulfate oral
Iron dextrin IM or IV
if administering IM route, use the Z-track method in order to prevent leakage of the medication into the subcutaneous tissue
Z-track a technique in which the provider slightly pulls and holds pressure on the skin when giving an injection, which leaves a zigzag path behind when they remove the needle and release the skin.
Teaching anemia
Increase consumption of iron rich foods
Green vegetables, meat, raisins and iron-fortified foods
Vitamin C improves absorption of iron and calcium-rich products will decrease absorption of iron.
Give iron supplementation with orange juice and not with milk or antacids
Use a straw and brush teeth following administration in order to avoid stained teeth (if taking iron supplement in a liquid form)
Iron supplementation will cause green or black tarry stools, this is expected - nothing to worry about
Thalassemia
Group of genetic disorders characterized by defective hemoglobin formation and anemia
Thalassemia Signs and symptoms
Pallor
jaundice
decreased appetite and growth rates
enlarged liver
enlarged spleen
deformed facial bones
Thalassemia Diagnosis
CBC
Genetic testing
Thalassemia Treatment
Frequent blood transfusions
Because the child will be getting these transfusions frequently and regularly that causes the build up of iron in the body which necessitates chelation therapy to decrease iron levels
Hemochromatosis
Iron overload
A disorder where harmful levels of extra iron build up in the body, iim left untreated the iron can damage the heart, endocrine glands, joints of the body, liver and pancreas
Primary hemochromatosis = hereditary
Secondary hemochromatosis occurs due to other concurrent conditions such as certain types of anemia, frequent blood transfusions, liver disease
Hemochromatosis Signs and symptoms
Some patients have no symptoms but if they do symptoms include
Abdominal pain
Amenorrhea
Bronze or gray skin colour
Diabetes
Fatigue
HF
Joint pain
Liver failure
Loss of sex drive
memory fog
weakness
Hemochromatosis Treatment
Removing blood through venipuncture to remove and decrease iron levels
Done inn two phases:
Initial treatment, may need blood removal once or twice a week
Maintenance treatment
Blood removal will continue less frequently depending non the rate at which iron levels increase
Normalizing iron levels could possible take up to a year or longer
Polycythemia
Rare blood disorder, causes an increase in red blood cells. We have primary polycythemia and secondary polycythemia
Primary polycthemia: caused by a gene mutation that results in uncontrolled production of abdominal red blood cells, this makes the patients blood thicker which puts them at risk for clots, it also impaired blood flow so the patient is at risk for ischemia
Secondary polycythemia, this is due to long-term poor oxygenation that can be caused by a lung disorder or a heart disorder. the body will try to compensate for this poor oxygenation by increasing production off red blood cells
Polycythemia Signs and symptoms
Ruddy complexion (red complexion)
They may complain of dizziness, headache and fatigue, you may see clubbing present on their fingernails
Enlarged spleen
Polycythemia Diagnosis
CBC: red blood cell count will be elevated as well as hematocrit
Bone marrow biopsy may be used as well
Polycythemia Treatment
No cure
Pheresis to remove some of the patients red blood cells through phlebotomy
Mediations that are useful also include hydroxyurea as well as aspirin
Thrombocytopenia
Thrombocytopenia is a condition in which you have a low blood platelet count
Thrombocytopenia Risk factors
Thrombocytopenia might occur as a result of a bone marrow disorder such as leukemia or an immune system problem. Or it can be a side effect of taking certain medications. It affects both children and adults.
Thrombocytopenia signs and symptoms
Easy or excessive bruising (purpura)
Superficial bleeding into the skin that appears as a rash of pinpoint-sized reddish-purple spots (petechiae)
Prolonged bleeding from cuts
Bleeding from your gums or nose
Blood in urine or stools
Unusually heavy menstrual flows
Fatigue
Enlarged spleen
Thrombocytopenia Causes
Thrombocytopenia means you have fewer than 150,000 platelets per microliter of circulating blood.
Thrombocytopenia rarely is inherited; or it can be caused by a number of medications or conditions.
Whatever the cause, circulating platelets are reduced by one or more of the following processes: trapping of platelets in the spleen, decreased platelet production or increased destruction of platelets.
Thrombocytopenia things to watch out for
Monitor blood in the patients stool, urine and vomit
Avoid IVs and injections whenever possible - if a blood draw is needed, make sure to gold prolonged pressure over the area to ensure the patient stops bleeding
Thrombocytopenia Patient Teaching
Encourage patient to use an electric razor vs a straight razor
Soft tooth brush
Avoid blowing nose vigorously
Avoid NSAIDS such as ibuprofen because those medications carry a side effect of GI bleeding
Reduce risk of falls and implement safety precautions, if the patient we’re to fall they are at high risk for bleeding and this could potentially be fatal