Screening 5 Flashcards
(37 cards)
Leukocyte disorders are recognized as the body’s reaction to
- disease
- foreign invaders
What are the two leukocyte disorders we discussed?
- leukocytosis
- leukopenia
leukocytosis =
increased neutrophils
leukopenia =
too few leukocytes
Too few leukocytes (leukopenia) is related to
- bone marrow failure
- never a beneficial condition
s/s of leukocytosis
- fever
- sx of localized or systemic infection
- inflammation
- tissue trauma
s/s of leukopenia
- sore throat
- cough
- high fever/chills
- ulcerations
- persistent infections
- frequent/painful urination
When is leukopenia commonly seen?
- following chemotherapy
- consider nadir
What is the nadir?
WBC count is at lowest level as a result of cancer tx
Important considerations for a pt at a nadir
If we know they will reach the nadir, must remember that they are more susceptible to infections during this time
Leukopenia: When does the nadir generally occur after cancer tx?
Usually between 7-14 days
What are the platelet disorders we discussed?
- thrombocytosis
- thrombocytopenia
Thrombocytosis is an increase in
platelet count
Why/when does thrombocytosis usually occur?
usually compensatory and temporary after surgery
What factors can influence platelet count?
- diet
- exercise
- liver disease
- radiation
- chemotherapy
What are two nutritional factors that influence platelet count?
- lecithin
- vitamin K
Lecithin (prevents/promotes) coagulation
prevents
Vitamin K (prevents/promotes) coagulation
promotes
How does exercise impact coagulation?
helps destroy clots
clinical s/s of thrombocytosis
- easy bruising
- splenomegaly
- thrombosis
Why does splenomegaly occur with thrombocytosis?
It becomes enlarged because it has to work much harder
What is thrombocytopenia?
decreased platelet count
What can thrombocytopenia result from?
decreased or defective platelet production
What causes thrombocytopenia?
- bone marrow failure
- leukemia
- medications
