Sticky Situation
This genetic disorder causes red blood cells to become rigid and crescent-shaped
What is sickle cell disease
Thrombocytopenia is defined as a platelet count below this value
What is 150,000 per microliter
Hypothermia is generally defined as a core body temperature BELOW this value
What is 95F
Polycythemia is defined as an abnormally high number of these blood cells
What are red blood cells
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) typically occurs this many days after starting heparin therapy
What is 5-10 days
The most common and painful complication of sickle cell disease, caused by blocked blood flow
What is a vaso-occlusive crisis
Patients with thrombocytopenia should avoid this common over-the-counter pain medication due to its effect on platelet aggregation
What is aspirin
The first priority in treating hypothermia is this intervention
What is rewarming
A ruddy complexion and pruritus after warm showers are classic signs of this condition
What is polycythemia vera
Paradoxically, HIT causes not just bleeding risk but also this dangerous complication
What is thrombosis (clotting)
A patient with sickle cell crisis and chest pain, hypoxia, and new infiltrate on chest x-ray may be experiencing this life-threatening complication
What is acute chest syndrome
A hallmark symptom of thrombocytopenia, often seen on the skin as tiny red or purple spots
What are petechiae
This term describes dangerously high fever, often >104°F, that may cause seizures
What is hyperpyrexia
Polycythemia increases the risk of this dangerous complication due to sluggish blood flow
What are blood clots (thrombosis)
HIT is caused by the formation of antibodies against heparin and this platelet factor
What is platelet factor 4 (PF4)
This medication is taken daily to reduce frequency of crises by increasing fetal hemoglobin
What is hydroxyurea
This condition occurs when the immune system mistakenly destroys platelets, sometimes after a viral infection
What is immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
In malignant hyperthermia, the causative agent is typically exposure to this class of medications
What are inhaled anesthetics (succinylcholine)
This treatment involves removing blood to reduce viscosity and hematocrit
What is therapeutic phlebotomy
The first step in management of HIT is this action
What is discontinuing all heparin products
During crisis management, this IV fluid type is typically avoided due to its risk of worsening sickling by drawing water out of cells
What are hypertonic fluids
Severe thrombocytopenia may require this type of transfusion to reduce bleeding risk
What is platelet transfusion
Hypothermia can falsely lower lab values for this electrolyte due to intracellular shift, but levels rise upon rewarming
What is potassium
Mutation of this gene is commonly associated with polycythemia vera
What is the JAK2 mutation
This type of anticoagulant is often used as an alternative treatment in HIT
What is a direct thrombin inhibitor (example: argatroban)