Basics
What does the term leukemia mean?
White blood
Why are infections common in leukemia?
Immature WBCs cannot fight off infections
Which leukemia is most common in children?
Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)
What is the cornerstone diagnostic test for leukemia?
CBC
What is the priority nursing diagnosis in leukemia?
Risk for infection
What cell line is affected in leukemia?
White blood cells and their precursors
What causes anemia in leukemia?
Displacement of RBC production
Which leukemia is associated with the Philadelphia chromosome?
Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)
What confirms bone marrow involvement?
Bone marrow biopsy
Why are daily weights important?
Monitor nutritional and fluid status
What happens to normal blood cell production?
It is crowded out by immature WBCs
What causes bleeding and bruising?
Reduced platelet production
Which leukemia is most common in adults?
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
What is the goal of induction therapy?
Destroy leukemic cells
What labs indicate bleeding risks?
Platelet count
Where do abnormal leukemic cells infiltrate?
Liver, spleen, and lymph nodes
Where does leukemia originate?
Bone marrow stem cells
Which leukemia progresses rapidly?
Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)
What is a major complication of stem cell transplant?
Graft vs host disease
Why is psychosocial assessment essential?
Chronic illness affects coping and mental health
Why are leukemia symptoms severe?
What lab abnormality reflects bleeding risk?
Low platelet count
What is a hallmark of chronic leukemias?
Slow onset and prolonged course
What type of transplant uses donor marrow?
Allogenic transplant
What should nurses monitor closely for post transplant?
Signs of GVHD and infection