Module 16: Hematologic Emergencies Flashcards
What are the two main blood disorders?
Sickle cell anemia and clotting disorders
What are the two components of blood?
formed elements
plasma
What are formed elements?
white/red blood cells and platelets
Anemia results in a low production of ____, which have a lifespan of only __ days
RBCs
16
Clotting refers to __ while clumping refers to ___
platelets, RBCs
Where in the body does sickle cell crisis most often occur?
the joints, due to lack of O2
How should sickle cell crises be treated by an EMT?
Oxygen
Patients with clotting disorders either…
clot too much, or not at all
What is thrombophilia?
tendency to develop blood clots
nearly 40% experience pulmonary embolism
blood thinning medications often prescribed
Name some risk factors for thrombophilia
recent surgery, impaired mobility, CHF, cancer, age, oral contraceptive, smoking, obesity
What is hemophilia?
Decreased ability to clot
occurs predominantly in males
What sort of medications should you ask about for patients with hemophilia?
Clotting factors
During your assessment of a 19-year-old male, you are told that he is being treated with factor VIII. This indicates that he has:
hemophilia, factor VIII is a clotting factor
A 30-year-old female presents with severe acute pain to the left upper quadrant of her abdomen. During your assessment, she tells you that she has sickle cell disease. You should suspect that:
her spleen is enlarged because of RBC engorgement
