RBC's and Anemia
This hormone, released mainly by the kidneys during hypoxia, stimulates red blood cell production
EPO
Which blood component forms the initial plug at the site of a damaged vessel?
Platelets
What term describes movement of air into and out of the lungs?
Ventilation
Collapsed alveoli are called what?
Atelectasis
Which GI layer contains epithelium and goblet cells and directly contacts luminal contents.
The mucosa
A patient has fatigue, pallor, low hemoglobin, and a low hematocrit. What general problem is most consistent with these findings.
Anemia- decreased oxygen-carrying capacity from reduced RBC's/hemoglobin
A patient has a normal platelet count but prolonged aPTT and recurrent joint bleeding. What type of disorder should be suspected?
A coagulation factor disorder such as hemophilia
What term describes blood flow through pulmonary capillaries?
Perfusion
Fluid accumulation in the pleural space is called what?
Pleural effusion
Yellow discoloration of the skin and sclera caused by elevated bilirubin is called what?
Peristalsis
A patient's reticulocyte count rises after treatment for blood loss. What does this tell the nurse.
Bone marrow
Hemophilia A results from deficiency of which clotting factor?
Factor VIII
A mucus plug prevents air from reaching alveoli that still receive blood flow. Is the V/Q ratio high or low?
Low V/Q- perfusion is present but ventilation is reduced
A patient suddenly develops dyspnea, tachycardia, and pleuritic chest pain after prolonged immobility. What condition is most concerning.
Pulmonary embolism
A patient with obstruction of bile flow develops pale stools. Why?
Small-intestinal villi
A patient with thalassemia has chronic microcytic anemia. What is the underlying pathophysiologic problem?
Inherited decreased or abnormal globin-chain synthesis, producing defective hemoglobin
A patient has thrombocytopenia. Which finding is more expected: petechiae or hemarthrosis?
Petechiae- platelet problems commonly causes superficial/mucosal bleeding
A pulmonary embolus blocks blood flow to ventilated alveoli. What V/Q problem occurs?
High V/Q- dead-space ventilation
A patient has alveoli fluid filled with fluid but continued pulmonary blood flow. Which gas-exchange problem can result?
Shunt/very low V/Q- blood passes poorly ventilated or nonventilated alveoli
A patient with liver dysfunction has easy bruising and prolonged clotting times. What liver function has ben impaired?
Loss of gastric hydrochloric acid removes hydrogen ions from the body
A patient with severe anemia develops tachycardia and dyspnea on exertion despite normal lungs. Why?
Low hemoglobin reduces oxygen delivery
A patient with hemophilia develops a swollen, painful knee after minor trauma. What mechanism explains the finding?
Deficient coagulation prevents formation of a stable fibrin clot, allowing continued bleeding into the joint
Why can severe hypoventilation cause respiratory acidosis?
CO2 is retained; increased carbonic acid raises hydrogen ion concentration and lowers pH
A postoperative patient takes shallow breaths because of pain and develops decreased breath sounds at the bases. Explain the pathophysiology.
Poor deep inspiration reduces alveolar expansion, causing dependent alveoli to collapse and producing atelectasis
A patient with severe liver disease develops both jaundice and bleeding. Connect the two findings to hepatic dysfunction?
The small intestine is the major site of nutrient digestion/absorption; mucosal damage reduces nutrient absorption, causing malnutrition and weight loss.