Chapter 32: Hematologic Function and Treatment

Which type of leukocyte contains histamine and is an important part of hypersensitivity reactions?

Basophils Basophils contain histamine and are an integral part of hypersensitivity reactions. B lymphocytes are responsible for humoral immunity. A plasma cell secretes immunoglobulins. The neutrophil functions in preventing or limiting bacterial infection via phagocytosis.

Which term refers to the percentage of blood volume that consists of erythrocytes?

Hematocrit Hematocrit is the percentage of blood volume consisting of erythrocytes. Differentiation is development of functions and characteristics that differ from those of the parent stem cell. ESR is a laboratory test that measures the rate of settling of RBCs; an elevated rate is indicative of inflammation. Hemoglobin is the iron-containing protein of RBCs.

A nurse is caring for a patient who has had a bone marrow aspiration with biopsy. What complication should the nurse be aware of and monitor the patient for?

Hemorrhage Hazards of either bone marrow aspiration or biopsy include bleeding and infection. The risk of bleeding is somewhat increased if the patient's platelet count is low or if the patient has been taking a medication (e.g., aspirin) that alters platelet function.

A patient who has long-term packed RBC (PRBC) transfusions has developed symptoms of iron toxicity that affect liver function. What immediate treatment should the nurse anticipate preparing the patient for that can help prevent organ damage?

Iron chelation therapy Iron overload is a complication unique to people who have had long-term PRBC transfusions. One unit of PRBCs contains 250 mg of iron. Patients with chronic transfusion requirements can quickly acquire more iron than they can use, leading to iron overload. Over time, the excess iron deposits in body tissues and can cause organ damage, particularly in the liver, heart, testes, and pancreas. Promptly initiating a program of iron chelation therapy can prevent end-organ damage from iron toxicity.

Which blood cell type is matched correctly with its function?

Leukocyte: Fights infection Various blood cell types have unique, major functions. Leukocytes fight infection, T lymphocytes are integral in cell-mediated immunity, plasma cells secrete immunoglobulin, and B lymphocytes are integral in humoral immunity.

The client is planned to have a splenectomy. The nurse should prepare which medication to administer to this client?

Pneumococcal vaccine Without a spleen, the client's risk of infection is greatly increased. The pneumococcal vaccine should be administered, preferable before splenectomy. Aspirin should not be administered due to the increased risk of bleeding. IgG is administered to client with increased chance of bacterial infections but is not routinely given to client undergoing splenectomy, as is the pneumococcal vaccine. Factor VII is given to treat bleeding disorders.

While caring for a client, the nurse notes petechiae on the client's trunk and lower extremities. What precaution will the nurse take when caring for this client?

Use an electric razor when assisting client with shaving. Petechiae are associated with severe thrombocytopenia, placing the client at risk for bleeding. The nurse should use an electric razor when assisting the client with shaving. Elevating the head of the bed and applying supplemental oxygen would be appropriate for a client with decreased oxygenation. Wearing a mask when entering the client's room would be appropriate for a client with neutropenia, not thrombocytopenia.

A client comes into the emergency department reporting an enlarged tongue. The tongue appears smooth and beefy red in color. The nurse also observes a 5-cm incision on the upper left quadrant of the abdomen. When questioned, the client states, "I had a partial gastrostomy 2 years ago." Based on this information, the nurse attributes these symptoms to which problem?

Vitamin B12 deficiency Because vitamin B12 is found only in foods of animal origin, strict vegetarians may ingest little vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 combines with intrinsic factor produced in the stomach. The vitamin B12-intrinsic factor complex is absorbed in the distal ileum. Clients who have had a partial or total gastrectomy may have limited amounts of intrinsic factor, and therefore the absorption of vitamin B12 may be diminished. The effects of either decreased absorption or decreased intake of vitamin B12 are not apparent for 2-4 years. This results in megaloblastic anemia. Some symptoms are a smooth, beefy red, enlarged tongue and cranial nerve deficiencies.

A nurse is preparing a dose of furosemide for an older adult with heart failure. The health care provider orders furosemide 1 mg/kg to be given intravenously. The client weighs 50 kg. The concentration of the drug is 40 mg/4mL (10 mg/mL). How many milliliters would the nurse administer? Record your answer using a whole number.

5 1 mg/kg X 50 kg = 50 mg then divide by 10 mg/mL = 5 mL

During a blood transfusion with packed red blood cells (RBCs), a client reports chills, low back pain, and nausea. What priority action should the nurse take?

Discontinue the infusion immediately and maintain the IV line with normal saline solution using new IV tubing The following steps are taken to determine the type and severity of the reaction: Stop the transfusion. Maintain the IV line with normal saline solution through new IV tubing, administered at a slow rate. Assess the client carefully. Notify the physician. Continue to monitor the client's vital signs and respiratory, cardiovascular, and renal status. Notify the blood bank that a suspected transfusion reaction has occurred. Send the blood container and tubing to the blood bank for repeat typing and culture.

A client in acute renal failure has been prescribed 2 units of packed red blood cells (PRBCs). The nurse explains to the client that the blood transfusion is most likely needed for which reason?

Lack of erythropoietin The kidneys produce erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production. A lack of this hormone is the most likely reason for blood transfusion due to the acute kidney failure. There is no indication for a nephrectomy in this question. A blood transfusion will not necessarily increase the effectiveness of dialysis. Transfusing a client with hypervolemia could lead to circulatory overload.

Albumin is important for the maintenance of fluid balance within the vascular system. Albumin is produced by which of the following?

Liver Albumin is produced by the liver. Albumin is not produced in the pancreas, kidney, or large intestine.

The health care provider believes that the client has a deficiency in the leukocyte responsible for cell-mediated immunity. What should the nurse check the WBC count for?

T lymphocytes T lymphocytes are responsible for cell-mediated immunity, in which they recognize material as "foreign," acting as a surveillance system.

The physician orders a transfusion with packed red blood cells (RBCs) for a client hospitalized with severe iron deficiency anemia. When blood is administered, what is the most important action the nurse can take to prevent a transfusion reaction?

Verify the client's identity according to hospital policy Acute hemolytic transfusion reactions are preventable. Improper identification is responsible for the majority of hemolytic transfusion reactions. Meticulous attention to detail in labeling blood samples and blood components and accurately identifying the recipient cannot be overemphasized. It is the nurse's responsibility to ensure that the correct blood component is transfused to the correct client. The nurse must assess the client during the initial start of the transfusion and frequently, if the nurses delays the assessment time for 30 minutes the client may have begun to experience acute hemolytic transfusion reaction, this puts the client's safety at risk.

The nurse is obtaining the health history of a client suspected of having a hematological condition. The nurse notes the client has a history of alcohol abuse. Which clinical presentation is related to alcohol consumption?

Anemia Individuals with a history of alcohol consumption may have anemia due to nutritional deficiencies. Myelodysplastic syndrome, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia are not common findings in clients who consume or abuse alcohol.

A preoperative client is discussing blood donation with the nurse. Which statement by the client indicates to the nurse the need for further teaching?

"My family will donate blood, because it's safer." Directed donations from friends and family members are not any safer than those provided by random donors. Withdrawal of 450 mL of blood usually takes about 15 minutes. Specimens from donated blood are tested to detect infections and to identify the specific blood type. Autologous blood donation is useful for many elective surgeries where the potential need for transfusion is high.

A nurse cares for a client with megaloblastic anemia who had a total gastrectomy three years ago. What statement will the nurse include in the client's teaching regarding the condition?

"The condition is likely caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency." Vitamin B12 combines with intrinsic factor produced in the stomach. The vitamin B12 -intrinsic factor complex is absorbed in the distal ileum. Clients who have had a partial or total gastrectomy may have limited amounts of intrinsic factor, and the absorption of vitamin B12 may be diminished. Megaloblastic anemia may be caused by a folate deficiency; however, the client's history of gastrectomy indicates the likely cause is a vitamin B12 deficiency. Megaloblastic anemia causes large erythrocytes (RBCs), not small or rigid.

Which client is not a candidate to be a blood donor according to the American Red Cross?

26-year-old female with hemoglobin 11.0 g/dL Clients must meet a number of criteria to be eligible as blood donors, including the following: body weight at least 50 kg; pulse rate regular between 50 and 100 bpm; systolic BP 90-100 to 180 mm Hg and diastolic 50 to 100 mm Hg; hemoglobin level at least 12.5 g/dL. There is no upper age limit to donation.

A client with Hodgkin disease had a bone marrow biopsy yesterday and reports aching at the biopsy site, rated a 5 (on a 1-10 scale). After assessing the biopsy site, which nursing intervention is most appropriate?

Administer acetaminophen 500 mg po, as ordered After a marrow sample is obtained, pressure is applied to the site for several minutes. The site is then covered with a sterile dressing. Most clients have no discomfort after a bone marrow biopsy, but the site of a biopsy may ache for 1 or 2 days. Warm tub baths and a mild analgesic agent (e.g., acetaminophen) may be useful. Aspirin-containing analgesic agents should be avoided it the immediate post-procedure period because they can aggravate or potentiate bleeding.

The nurse is instructing the client with polycythemia vera how to perform isometric exercises such as contracting and relaxing the quadriceps and gluteal muscle during periods of inactivity. What does the nurse understand is the rationale for this type of exercise?

Contraction of skeletal muscle compresses the walls of veins and increases the circulation of venous blood as it returns to the heart. Isometric exercise induce contraction of skeletal muscle so that it compresses the walls of veins and increases the circulation of venous blood as it returns to the heart. Isometric exercises do not have an aerobic effect and should not increase the heart rate; although, it may increase blood pressure. Isometric exercise does not decrease the workload of the heart. Arterial flow moves blood flow away from the heart after being oxygenated.

The nurse should be alert to which adverse assessment finding when transfusing a unit of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) too rapidly?

Crackles auscultated bilaterally Increasing the flow rate of a blood transfusion too rapidly can result in circulatory overload. Fluid overload can be manifested by crackles in the lungs. A decreased respiratory rate and decreased temperature are not manifestations of fluid overload. Pain and tenderness in the calf area may indicate a thrombosis which is not as common a manifestation as fluid overload.

A patient with chronic kidney disease is being examined by the nurse practitioner for anemia. The nurse has reviewed the laboratory data for hemoglobin and RBC count. What other test results would the nurse anticipate observing?

Decreased level of erythropoietin Differentiation of the primitive myeloid stem cell into an erythroblast is stimulated by erythropoietin, a hormone produced primarily by the kidney. If the kidney detects low levels of oxygen, as occurs when fewer red cells are available to bind oxygen (i.e., anemia), or with people living at high altitudes with lower atmospheric oxygen concentrations, erythropoietin levels increase. The increased erythropoietin then stimulates the marrow to increase production of erythrocytes. The entire process of erythropoiesis typically takes 5 days (Cook, Ineck, & Lyons, 2011). For normal erythrocyte production, the bone marrow also requires iron, vitamin B12, folate, pyridoxine (vitamin B6), protein, and other factors. A deficiency of these factors during erythropoiesis can result in decreased red cell production and anemia.

A client receiving a blood transfusion reports shortness of breath, appears anxious, and has a pulse of 125 beats/minute. What is the best action for the nurse to take after stopping the transfusion and awaiting further instruction from the health care provider?

Ensure there is an oxygen delivery device at the bedside. The client is exhibiting signs of circulatory overload. After stopping the transfusion and notifying the healthcare provider, the nurse should place the client in a more upright position with the legs dependent to decrease workload on the heart. The IV line is kept patent in case emergency medications are needed. Oxygen and morphine may be needed to treat severe dyspnea. Administering an anti-anxiety agent is not a priority action over ensuring oxygen is available.

Splenic sequestration is diagnosed in a client admitted with splenomegaly. What is the priority of care for this client?

Hypovolemia If the spleen is enlarged, a greater proportion of red cells and platelets can be sequestered. With less red blood cells in circulation, the client can become hypovolemic resulting in shock. Decreased white blood cells in circulation, not red blood cells, increases the chance of infection. Decreased circulatory volume results in hypotension, not hypertension. Hyperthermia is not a result of decreased red blood cells in circulation.

The client's CBC with differential reveals small-shaped hemoglobin molecules. The nurse expects to administer which medication to this client?

Iron With iron deficiency, the erythrocytes produced by the marrow are small and low in hemoglobin. Vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies are characterized by the production of abnormally large erythrocytes. Fresh frozen plasma are infused due to a low platelet level, not light-colored hemoglobin.

Which term refers to a form of white blood cell involved in immune response?

Lymphocyte Mature lymphocytes are the principal cells of the immune system, producing antibodies and identifying other cells and organisms as "foreign." Both B and T lymphocytes respond to exposure to antigens. Granulocytes include basophils, neutrophils, and eosinophils. A spherocyte is a red blood cell without central pallor, seen with hemolysis. A thrombocyte is a platelet.

The body responds to infection by increasing the production of white blood cells (WBCs). The nurse should evaluate the differential count for what type of WBCs, which are the first WBCs to respond to an inflammatory event?

Neutrophils Neutrophils, the most abundant type of white blood cell, are the first of the WBCs to respond to infection or inflammation. The normal value is 3,000 to 7,000/cmm (males) and 1,800 to 7,700/cmm (females).

The nurse reviewing laboratory results of a client recovering from abdominal surgery notices an elevated number of reticulocytes. What is the nurse's first action?

Perform an abdominal assessment. The bone marrow can release immature forms of erythrocytes, called reticulocytes, into the circulation in response to bleeding. The nurse should assess this client's abdomen, because the client is recovering from abdominal surgery. The nurse should assess and gather more data before notifying the healthcare provider. A blood transfusion would not be held if internal bleeding is expected.

A nurse cares for several mothers and babies in the postpartum unit. Which mother does the nurse recognize as being most at risk for a febrile nonhemolytic reaction?

Rh-negative mother; Rh-positive child A mother who is Rh negative and gives birth to an Rh positive child is at greatest risk for a febrile nonhemolytic reaction because exposure to an Rh-positive fetus raises antibody levels in the Rh negative mother. An Rh-negative mother can carry an Rh-negative child without being at greatest risk for a febrile nonhemolytic reaction; however, these mothers are often treated prophylactically. An Rh-positive mother may carry either an Rh-positive or Rh-negative child without increased risk.

Which type of lymphocyte is responsible for cellular immunity?

T lymphocyte T lymphocytes are responsible for delayed allergic reactions, rejection of foreign tissue (e.g., transplanted organs), and destruction of tumor cells. This process is known as cellular immunity. B lymphocytes are responsible for humoral immunity. A plasma cell secretes immunoglobulin. A basophil contains histamine and is an integral part of hypersensitivity reactions.

The nurse is administering a blood transfusion to a client over 4 hours. After 2 hours, the client reports chills and has a fever of 101°F, an increase from a previous temperature of 99.2°F. What does the nurse recognize is occurring with this client?

The client is having a febrile nonhemolytic reaction. The signs and symptoms of a febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reaction are chills (minimal to severe) followed by fever (more than 1°C elevation). The fever typically begins within 2 hours after the transfusion is begun. Although the reaction is not life threatening, the fever, and particularly the chills and muscle stiffness, can be frightening to the client.

When administering a blood transfusion to a client with multiple traumatic injuries, the nurse monitors closely for evidence of a transfusion reaction. Shortly after the transfusion begins, the client complains of chest pain, nausea, and itching. When urticaria, tachycardia, and hypotension develop, the nurse stops the transfusion and notifies the physician. The nurse suspects which type of hypersensitivity reaction?

Type II (cytolytic, cytotoxic) hypersensitivity reactionType II (cytolytic, cytotoxic) hypersensitivity reaction ABO incompatibility, such as from an incompatible blood transfusion, is a type II hypersensitivity reaction. Transfusions of more than 100 ml of incompatible blood can cause severe and permanent renal damage, circulatory shock, and even death. Drug-induced hemolytic anemia is another example of a type II reaction. A type I hypersensitivity reaction occurs in anaphylaxis, atopic diseases, and skin reactions. A type III hypersensitivity reaction occurs in Arthus reaction, serum sickness, systemic lupus erythematosus, and acute glomerulonephritis. A type IV hypersensitivity reaction occurs in tuberculosis, contact dermatitis, and transplant rejection.

When conducting a health assessment on a client suspected for having a hematological disorder, the nurse should collect which data? Select all that apply.

-Dietary intake -Medication use -Ethnicity -Herbal supplements Dietary intake, ethnicity, use of herbal supplements, and medication use are factors for which the nurse should assess. Hair color is not considered a factor in determining causes of hematological disorders.

Place the following steps in order when determining the type and severity of a transfusion reaction. Use all options.

-Stop the transfusion. -Assess the client. -Notify the health care provider. -Notify the blood bank. -Send the tubing and container to the blood bank. It is important for the nurse to take the proper steps when determining the type and severity of a transfusion reaction. The priority action is to stop the infusion and then assess the client. Next, the health care provider will be notified, followed by the blood bank. Finally, the nurse should send the tubing and container to the blood bank for analysis.

A client receiving a unit of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) has been prescribed morphine 1 mg intravenously now for pain. What is the best method for the nurse to administer the morphine?

Disconnect the blood tubing, flush with normal saline, and administer morphine. Never add medications to blood or blood products. The transfusion must be temporarily stopped in order to administer the morphine.

A patient is undergoing platelet pheresis at the outpatient clinic. What does the nurse know is the most likely clinical disorder the patient is being treated for?

Essential thrombocythemia Platelet pheresis is used to remove platelets from the blood in patients with extreme thrombocytosis or essential thrombocythemia (temporary measure)or in a single-donor platelet transfusion.

Which is a symptom of severe thrombocytopenia?

Petechiae Clients with severe thrombocytopenia have petechiae, which are pinpoint hemorrhagic lesions, usually more prominent on the trunk or anterior aspects of the lower extremities.

A client involved in a motor vehicle accident arrives at the emergency department unconscious and severely hypotensive. The nurse suspects the client has several fractures in the pelvis and legs. Which parenteral fluid is the best choice for the client's current condition?

Packed red blood cells (RBCs) In a trauma situation, the first blood product given is unmatched (O negative) packed RBCs. Fresh frozen plasma is commonly used to replace clotting factors. Normal saline or lactated Ringer's solution is used to increase volume and blood pressure; however, too much colloid will hemodilute the blood and doesn't improve oxygen-carrying capacity as well as packed RBCs do.

Under normal conditions, the adult bone marrow produces approximately 70 billion neutrophils. What is the major function of neutrophils?

Phagocytosis The major function of neutrophils is phagocytosis. T lymphocytes are responsible for rejection of foreign tissue and destruction of tumor cells. Plasma cells produce antibodies call immunoglobulin.

The nurse is caring for a client with hypoxia. What does the nurse understand is true regarding the client's oxygen level and the production of red blood cells?

The kidneys sense low oxygen levels in the blood and produce erythropoietin, stimulating the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells. If normally functioning kidneys detect low levels of blood oxygen, they produce more of the hormone erythropoietin (EPO). As EPO levels increase, the bone marrow responds by producing more erythrocytes (red blood cells). EPO is not made by the bone marrow. Hemoglobin, an iron-rich protein that allows erythrocytes to transport oxygen, is synthesized in the erythrocytes as they mature.

A nursing instructor is reviewing the role and function of stem cells in the bone marrow with a group of nursing students. After providing the explanation, the instructor asks the students to use their knowledge of anatomy and physiology to determine an alternate way in which adults with diseases that destroy marrow can resume production of blood cells. Which explanation by the students is correct?

The liver and spleen can resume production of blood cells through extramedullary hematopoiesis. In adults with disease that destroy marrow or cause fibrosis or scarring, the liver and spleen can also resume production of blood cells through a process known as extramedullary hematopoiesis.

A nurse is reviewing a client's morning laboratory results and notes a left shift in the band cells. Based on this result, the nurse can interpret that the client

may be developing an infection. Less mature granulocytes have a single-lobed, elongated nucleus and are called band cells. Ordinarily, band cells account for only a small percentage of circulating granulocytes, although their percentage can increase greatly under conditions in which neutrophil production increases, such as infection. An increased number of band cells is sometimes called a left shift or shift to the left. Anemia refers to decreased red cell mass. Leukopenia refers to a less-than-normal amount of white blood cells in circulation. Thrombocytopenia refers to a lower-than-normal platelet count.

Vitamin B and folic acid deficiencies are characterized by production of abnormally large erythrocytes called

megaloblasts Megaloblasts are abnormally large erythrocytes. Blast cells are primitive WBCs. Mast cells are cells found in connective tissue involved in defense of the body and coagulation. Monocytes are large WBCs that become macrophages when they leave the circulation and move into body tissues.