Heme 1
What is anemia?
Reduction in the number of RBCs, hemoglobin, or hematocrit from normal
At what hemoglobin level are transfusions of red blood cells typically ordered?
Less than 7g/dL
What is chemotherapy?
A cytotoxic systemic therapy that kills cancer cells and/or stops them from growing. It interferes with cell division of rapidly growing cells, and affects some non cancerous cells as well
What is colchicine?
Used for acute gout attacks, reduces uric acid levels
A substance capable of causing cancer
What is a carcinogen?
When do most transfusion reactions occur when administering blood products?
Within the first 15 minutes
What is a blood transfusion reaction?
Adverse reaction to blood product administration that can range from mild to life-threatening. They can be immune related or non-immune related.
What are some ways cancer is managed?
Radiation Therapy
Surgery
Chemotherapy
Immunotherapy
What is allopurinol?
Used in prevention of gout, inhibits uric acid production lowering levels in the blood and urine
Decreased number of neutrophil white blood cells, causing immunosuppression
What is neutropenia?
What are signs and symptoms of anemia?
What are priority interventions when a patient is having a blood transfusion reaction?
What are some side effects of chemotherapy?
Dry and itchy skin
Dry mouth
Fatigue, sleep disturbance
What medications are commonly used in rheumatoid arthritis?
NSAIDs
Acetaminophen
Corticosteroids
Immunosuppressants (methotrexate)
A type of anemia characterized by a lack of sufficient iron in the body, leading to a decrease in the production of hemoglobin and red blood cells
What is iron-deficiency anemia?
What are causes of iron deficiency anemia?
What is the nurse responsible for prior to blood product administration?
Verify informed consent
Verify provider order
Obtain allergies, transfusion history, reactions
Assess recent lab values related to blood product (type and screen)
Assess vital signs
What are some nursing considerations when dealing with a patient with neutropenia?
Diligent handwashing
Restricting ill visitors
Dedicated equipment (stethoscope)
Monitor temperature, report fever immediately
What is alendronate, and what is an important nursing considering when administering it?
Suppresses bone reabsorption, used in treatment of osteoporosis.
Should be taken on an empty stomach, and pt should remain upright for 30 minutes after taking to prevent esophageal irritation
Also called cytotoxic cells, directly kill cells that have been invaded by a virus or are otherwise abnormal
What are Killer T Cells?
What are signs/symptoms of a blood transfusion reaction?
Fever
Pruritus
Hives
Shortness of breath
Chills
Flank pain
Tachycardia
Headache
Who is at risk for Vitamin B12 anemia?
Vegans/vegetarians (found naturally in animal products)
Older adults (decreased intrinsic factor, stomach acid)
Pts with GI disorders (Crohn's, celiac, gastritis)
What is anaphylaxis? Signs/symptoms?
A severe, life threatening Type 1 hypersensitivity reaction
Itching, urticaria
Angioedema
Wheezing, stridor, dyspnea
What are the warning signs of Acute Compartment Syndrome?
Six P's
Pain
Paresthesia (loss of sensation)
Poikilothermia (cool skin)
Pallor (pale skin)
Pulselessness (decreased or absent pulses distal to injury)
Paralysis
Thin, brittle, or spoon-shaped nails often resulting from iron-deficiency anemia.
What is koilonychia?