Hematology notes
Erythrocytes: red blood cells (carry O2)
Leukocytes: white blood cells (immunity)
Platelets: contain clotting factors
Plasma: clear portion of blood that contains nutrients such as
glucose and amino acids (majority of blood)
Water
Anemia: deficiency in # of RBCs, quantity of Hgb, volume of
packed RBCs (hematocrit). Anemia is not a disease it is a
pathologic result of another disease process.
Causes:
o Blood loss: 2/2 trauma, GI bleed, menorrhagia,
o Bone marrow suppression
o Decreased/inadequate RBC production.
o Destruction of RBCs (hemolysis)
o Deficiency in folic acid, iron, erythropoietin, and/or
vitamin B12 (all necessary for RBC production)
Types:
o Sickle cell anemia: defective Hgb, malformed RBCs
o Iron deficient anemia: most common type in children
and pregnant women.
Provide iron supplements: absorbed best in
Acidic environments & with Vitamin C (give on
empty stomach or with OJ). Side effects:
heartburn, constipation, diarrhea
, ferrous sulfate - daily dose 150 – 200 mg.
liquid form should be given through a straw
2/2 teeth staining.
iron dextran – given IV or IM (use Z track
method 2/2 staining of skin)
Pernicious anemia: lack of intrinsic factor in gastric
mucosa, which prevents absorption of B12.
Administer cyanocobalamin (B12) parentally or
intranasally.
Folic acid deficiency: provide folic orally or
parentally. ***Large doses of folic acid can mask B12
deficiency***
Management:
o Blood transfusions: rarely used unless necessary.
Type A: can receive A & O
Type B: can receive B & O
Type AB: can receive A, B, AB, & O (universal
recipient)
Type O: can receive ONLY type O (universal donor)
RH compatibility: if Rh-negative person receives Rh-
positive blood, it will cause hemolysis.
use 20 gauge or bigger IV catheter.
confirm pt. ID, blood compatibility, expiration time
with another RN.
prime administration set with 0.9% NaCl ONLY
blood transfusion reactions:
acute hemolytic: low back pain,
fever/chills, tachycardia, hypotension,
Erythrocytes: red blood cells (carry O2)
Leukocytes: white blood cells (immunity)
Platelets: contain clotting factors
Plasma: clear portion of blood that contains nutrients such as
glucose and amino acids (majority of blood)
Water
Anemia: deficiency in # of RBCs, quantity of Hgb, volume of
packed RBCs (hematocrit). Anemia is not a disease it is a
pathologic result of another disease process.
Causes:
o Blood loss: 2/2 trauma, GI bleed, menorrhagia,
o Bone marrow suppression
o Decreased/inadequate RBC production.
o Destruction of RBCs (hemolysis)
o Deficiency in folic acid, iron, erythropoietin, and/or
vitamin B12 (all necessary for RBC production)
Types:
o Sickle cell anemia: defective Hgb, malformed RBCs
o Iron deficient anemia: most common type in children
and pregnant women.
Provide iron supplements: absorbed best in
Acidic environments & with Vitamin C (give on
empty stomach or with OJ). Side effects:
heartburn, constipation, diarrhea
, ferrous sulfate - daily dose 150 – 200 mg.
liquid form should be given through a straw
2/2 teeth staining.
iron dextran – given IV or IM (use Z track
method 2/2 staining of skin)
Pernicious anemia: lack of intrinsic factor in gastric
mucosa, which prevents absorption of B12.
Administer cyanocobalamin (B12) parentally or
intranasally.
Folic acid deficiency: provide folic orally or
parentally. ***Large doses of folic acid can mask B12
deficiency***
Management:
o Blood transfusions: rarely used unless necessary.
Type A: can receive A & O
Type B: can receive B & O
Type AB: can receive A, B, AB, & O (universal
recipient)
Type O: can receive ONLY type O (universal donor)
RH compatibility: if Rh-negative person receives Rh-
positive blood, it will cause hemolysis.
use 20 gauge or bigger IV catheter.
confirm pt. ID, blood compatibility, expiration time
with another RN.
prime administration set with 0.9% NaCl ONLY
blood transfusion reactions:
acute hemolytic: low back pain,
fever/chills, tachycardia, hypotension,
