NUR5079%20Exam%20Revision%20Notes Flashcards
(161 cards)
What is hemopoiesis?
The process by which the body produces blood cells.
Also known as hematopoiesis.
Where does hemopoiesis primarily occur?
In the bone marrow.
What are the three main types of blood cells produced in hemopoiesis?
- Red blood cells (erythrocytes)
- White blood cells (leukocytes)
- Platelets (thrombocytes)
What is the function of red blood cells?
Transport oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and return carbon dioxide to the lungs for exhalation.
What role do white blood cells play?
Part of the immune system that helps fight infections.
What are the common types of white blood cells?
- Neutrophils
- Basophils
- Eosinophils
- Monocytes
- Lymphocytes
What is myeloid neoplasia?
A group of cancers that originate from myeloid cells in the bone marrow.
What is Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)?
A rapidly progressing cancer that affects myeloid cells, leading to the accumulation of immature white blood cells.
What characterizes Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)?
A slower-progressing cancer characterized by the presence of the Philadelphia chromosome.
What are Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)?
Disorders caused by poorly formed or dysfunctional blood cells, often leading to anemia, infections, and bleeding.
What are Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN)?
Diseases where the bone marrow makes too many red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets.
What are common signs of blood malignancies?
- Anemia: Fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath
- Poor clotting: Easy bruising, frequent nosebleeds
- Infections: Frequent infections, fevers
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Bone pain
What are the investigations for leukemia?
- Blood test
- Bone marrow biopsy
- Lymph node biopsy
- Scans
- Genetic tests
What is active monitoring in leukemia treatment?
Not having a treatment until it is necessary.
What is the purpose of targeted therapies?
To target the proteins that control the growth and division of cancer cells.
What are the side effects of chemotherapy?
- Fatigue
- Anemia
- Infection
- Mucositis
- Hair loss or thinning
- Changes to bowel habits
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tumor lysis syndrome
- Infertility
What is the difference between malignant and benign tumors?
Malignant tumors spread or invade nearby tissues, while benign tumors do not.
What are characteristics of malignant tumors?
- Cancerous
- Grow rapidly
- Can invade nearby tissues
- Often have abnormal cells
- Higher chance of recurrence
What are characteristics of benign tumors?
- Non-cancerous
- Grow slowly
- Do not invade nearby tissues
- Cells resemble normal cells
- Typically can be surgically removed
What is neutropenic sepsis?
A potentially life-threatening complication of neutropenia, defined by a temperature over 38°C or signs of sepsis in a person with low neutrophil count.
What are some causes of neutropenic sepsis?
- Cytotoxic chemotherapy
- Immunosuppressive drugs
- Stem cell transplantation
- Infections
- Bone marrow disorders
- Nutritional deficiencies
What is the importance of patient education after discharge?
Educating on infection prevention, monitoring for symptoms, and adhering to medication plans.
What are the four main chambers of the heart?
- Left atrium
- Right atrium
- Left ventricle
- Right ventricle
What is the function of the atrioventricular (AV) valves?
Prevent backflow of blood into the atria.