Transport- O2, nutrients, waste, hormone, gases

Temperature regulation - vasomotor action and elevated specific heat. 

Fluid, electrolyte and acid/base balance.

Production of all blood cells. (RBC's, WBC's and platelets)

Liquid part of the blood (91% water)

Important in maintaining temperature and pH

(tends toward alkaline 7.35 - 7.45)

Function of RBC's

(range)

(4.2-6.2 million cells/mm³)

Carry 0₂ on hemoglobin

Lack of Iron on HgB leads to anemia.

RBC levels regulated by O₂ levels

Dietary needs to make RBC's

(protein,iron, folic acid, Vit. B12.)

Lifespan=120 days

ABO blood type and Rh factor determined by antigens on RBC membrane.

Function of WBC's 

(range)

(5,000-10,000 cells/mm³)

Larger than RBC's-involved in inflammatory response

Agranulocytes - Lymphocytes, Monocytes

Granulocytes - Neutrophils, Eosinophils, Basophils

Functon of Platelets

(range)

(150,000-400,000 cells/mm³)

Involved in clotting action

Cervical 

Axillary

Inguinal

(38%-49%)

Amount of red blood cell volume

Spleen

(location and function)

ULQ in the abdominal cavity, just below the diaphragm

immune response, stores up to 1/3 of the body's platelets.

not considered a vital organ but if removed is more susceptible to certain bacterial infections.

Thymus

(location and function)

Inferior to the thyroid and anterior to the trachea

Atrophies with age

Contains T lymphocyte cells

Abnormal bleeding-weakness, SOB, fever

Petechiae-small purplish hemorrhagic spot under the skin.

Ecchymoses(bruise)- Larger areas of discoloration from hemorrhage under the skin.

Purpura-Hemorrhage into the skin, mucous membranes, organs.

Vital signs

Skin:pallor, cyanosis, jaundice, petechiae, signs of bleeding, ecchymosis, purpura, dryness, coarseness, itching.

Fingernails: long striations, lines, spoon shape, clubbed, or raised.

Abdominal assessment: listen with stethoscope, measure girth (ascites or bleeding)

CBC, Hgb, platelet levels

PT (1.5-2.5x normal value)

INR (2.0-3.0)

PTT (30-45 sec.)

Used to diagnose hematologic disorders, monitor treatment, discover tumors, infectious diseases, isolate bacteria/pathogens by culture

Function of Hemoglobin

(range)

(12-18mg/dl)

protein in red blood cells that carry O²

Bleeding disorders

(find acronym)

Thalessemia

Iron-deficiency anemia

Macrocytic anemia

Aplastic anemia

Sickle cell anemia

Polycythemia

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)

Hemophilia

Genetic

(SE Asia,Mediteranean,Italy,Africa)

Hgb not synthesized properly

Cause: insufficient iron intake, excess blood loss, lack of stomach acid.

Risk: Young children, women of childbearing age (menstrual cycle).

Iron Sources: Red meat, dark leafy vegetables, dried fruits, whole grain.

Vit. C enhances iron absorption, Stewing acidic food in Iron cookware.

Supplements used several months to build up stores, even after hgb/hct levels go back to normal.

Macrocytic anemia

(Folic acid/B12 deficiency)

Larger (macro) than normal RBC's

Folic Acid: formation of DNA and heme

Bone marrow gets fatty, cant produce enough cells. Results in Pancytopenia(decrease in all 3 blood cells) fatal if unresolved.

Causes: Genetic, Toxins, Chemo. meds, Cardiopulmonary bypass surgery, Viral/bacterial infection, autoimmune disease.

Treatment: Bone marrow transplant, steroids, Hormones, Colony stimulating factors.

Sickle cell anemia

(cause and treatment)

Causes: Genetic, mutated RBC's change to "sickle" shape under hypoxic condsitions, leading to congestion, clumping and clotting of vessels and organs.

Treatment: No cure, Pt. education to prevent crisis, encourage fluids, IV fluids.

Sickle cell anemia

(Signs and symptoms)

Autosomal genetic disorder, If both parents positive, child will be positive. Mostly found in African American or Mediterranean populations. 

S/S: severe pain, swelling in joints, abd. pain, Hypoxia, priapism, renal failure, Hand/foot syndrome.

Risk factors: Cold, tight clothing, pneumonia, diabetic acidosis, severe infection, surgery, ETOH consumption.(dehydration)