Interventions
Hydroxyurea is a medication to reduce sickling and pain episodes. What lab are we monitoring with administering this medication?
CBC- this medication suppresses bone marrow function so watching all blood levels is important.
Leukemia is a type of cancer with a uncontrolled production of immature red blood cells that end up crowding the bone marrow and reduce production of normal cells.
False- white blood cells
The patient sustains a fall and hits their head. Family reports the patient is on what type of medication causing the patient to need an evaluation to check for internal bleeding?
Anticoagulants
This intervention aids in preventing the major cause of death in patients who are diagnosed with leukemia.
Infection prevention- hand hygiene is important! The patient needs to be protected because they're immune system can't fight for them.
Condition characterized by abnormally low levels of platelets?
Thrombocytopenia
Blood clotting is reduced with chronic alcoholism.
True- alcoholism causes nutrient deficiencies which cause liver impairments. The liver plays a major role in clotting.
What is the purpose of a thrombolytic drug?
Aid in breaking down clots, helps reestablish blood flow to heart muscles.
Patient comes in to the ED in sickle cell crisis- c/o pain and tachycardic. What is the priority intervention for this patient?
Pain management and hydration. Pt with increased pain needs management, as well as oxygen therapy to increase oxygenation to tissues. Hydrate the patient with PO or IV fluids because they're at high risk of becoming dehydrated.
Iron deficiency anemia.
T or F: Hemoglobin levels increase after you hit middle age?
False- hemoglobin levels decrease because as bone marrow ages, it produces fewer blood cells.
Patient c/o chills, shortness of breath, hives, and/or itching during this infusion.
Blood Transfusion Reaction- pt will c/o these signs and symptoms during the first 15 minutes or the first 50 cc of blood transfused in tubing. Stop the transfusion immediately!
Pre Transfusion Interventions
Educate the patient; vital signs immediately before starting transfusion; stay with the patient; assess and talk with the patient continually(especially the first 15-30 minutes)
Rare autoimmune disorder when platelets abnormally clump together and very few platelets are remaining in circulation causing the patient to be at risk for increased bleeding?
Thrombic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
A patient is started on a continuous heparin infusion. What lab value is the nurse going to be monitoring throughout this patient's infusion?