Oncology Flashcards
(43 cards)
Function of plasma, RBC, WBC, and platelets?
Plasma stops prolonged bleeding, RBC carry O2, WBC fight infection, and platelets stop immediate bleeding
What are the 2 ways to classify anemia?
- Pathophysiology- decreased production, increased destruction or blood loss, sequestration
- Size of RBC- microcytic (small), normocytic, macrocytic (large RBC)
3 pathophysiological approaches to anemia?
- Decreased production d/t injury, nutritional deficiency, RBC deficiency (have low reticulocytes- immature RBC)
- Hemolysis (breakdown of RBC) d/t extrinsic (acquired) or intrinsic factors (inherited like autoimmune disorder) (increased reticulocytes)
- Blood loss- nose bleed, heavy periods, trauma (increased reticulocytes to compensate)
Is iron deficiency more prevalent in kids/women?
Yes because kids are picky/eat less iron food and women have periods which cause blood loss each month
4 factors of iron deficiency anemia?
Excessive loss, increased demand when growing, inadequate intake of iron, and impaired absorption
How to manage iron deficiency?
- Diet- iron rich food (red meat, fish, eggs, tofu, leafy green, iron fortified cereals)
- Iron supplements- make sure to discuss SE (constipation, tarry stool, teeth staining- not permanent)
- Follow up- ensure adherence, monitor response to treatment
Causes of RBC breakdown (3 of them)?
- Issues with hemoglobin molecule like sickle cell anemia or thalassemia
- Problem with RBC membrane- having different shapes like spherocytosis or elliptocytosis (regular shape is donut)
- Autoimmune hemolysis- antibodies attach to RBC and destroy them
S+S of RBC hemolysis?
Jaundice, dark/cola coloured urine
What is sickle cell anemia? and where is it common
Condition where RBC have a defect change shape and block blood flow in vessels (vasoocculsion). They cause hemolysis and have low oxygen concentrations. Common in areas of malaria- africa, middle east, mediterranean
S+S of sickle cell anemia?
Sudden acute pain, stroke, chronic infections, renal impairment (kidney), splenic infarction, acute chest syndrome (infection in chest causes breathing problems), dactylitis (hand foot syndrome causing pain/swollen fingers), retinal damage, and priapism (pain in penis)
Treatments for sickle cell? and preventative
- Preventative treatments- antibiotics, promote erythropoiesis with folic acid, increase hemoglobin F to decreased proportion of sickle hemoglobin, avoid triggers (low O2, dehydration)
- Treat pain with NSAIDs, Tylenol, short acting opioids, hydration with liquids
- Bone marrow transplant cures the disease but need a sibling match
Signs of low platelets?
Excessive brushing, epistaxis (nose bleed), bleeding of gums/teeth, petechaie (rash hemorrhages on body that dont blanch to pressure), and pupura (large purple areas of hemorrhage in which blood collects under tissue- bruise )
5 causes of low platelets?
Infection, disseminated intravascular coagulation, medications like NSAIDs (advil), family inherited platelet disorders, and idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura
Types of coagulation disorders?
Acute/prolonged bleeding, hemophilia A (x link recessive), hemophilia B (x link recessive), von willebrand disease (autosomal recessive or dominant, girls get worse symptoms d/t periods)
What does low WBC lead to?
More prone to infections but type of infection depends on what function of the WBC isn’t working properly
What can high WBC indicate?
Infection, inflammation, tissue damage, and leukemia (causes genetic changes in cell where it makes more WBC)
Characteristics of childhood cancer?
Most arise from embryonic mesodermal germ layer and involve tissues of the body. Childhood cancer grow and spread quick. It’s generally not based on lifestyle of environment factors
Most common childhood cancers?
Leukemia (most common), other solid tumours, CNS brain tumour, and lymphomas
What is leukemia?
WBC grow out of control and don’t respond to body’s stop signals. It involves the bone marrow, lymphomas nodes, and spleen
What is lymphomas?
Tumours of lymph tissues (nodes, thymus, and spleen). This is the second most common childhood cancer. 2 categories are hodgkins and non hodgkins (more common)
Symptoms of cancer?
Fever, chills, weight loss, extramedullary infiltration (lymphadenopathy, gums inflamed, kidney/spleen involvement), bone marrow infiltration (normal cells can’t grow)
Signs of anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia?
A- weak, fatigue, ischemia, SOB, exercise intolerance, pallor, tachycardia
L- infection, fever, sepsis, death (bacterial, fungal, viral)
T- mucosal bleeding, petechiae, ecchymoses)
What to do if pt has potential leukemia?
Consult ped oncology, admit to hospital, IV hydration/medication to prevent tumour lysis, transfusion support if needed (PRBC, platelets), IV antibiotics if sign of infection, dx using bone marrow or lumbar puncture, family discussion, and start therapy
S+S of brain tumours?
Headache, N/V, visual disturbance, hearing problem, seizure, abnormal eye movement, slurred speech, trouble swallowing, difficulty with balance/walking, confusion, irritability, memory problems, personality changes, and difficulty concentrating
