Hematology

Question 1

This lab marker reflects an indirect measurement of all proteins that bind with iron and transports it for storage

Answer 1

Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC)

Question 2

This protein represents the largest amount of iron-binding proteins

Answer 2

Transferrin

Question 3

This lab marker is an indicator of total iron stores in the body

Answer 3

Ferritin

Question 4

Low blood iron levels and elevated TIBC (TIBC) indicate what form of anemia?

Answer 4

Iron-deficiency

Question 5

Separates normal Hgb from abnormal and quantifies the abnormal Hgb. It is used to detect thalassemia and sickle-cell disease.

Answer 5

Hgb electrophoresis

Question 6

Evaluates the sickling of RBCs in the presence of decreased oxygen tension

Answer 6

Sickle-cell test

Question 7

Bone-marrow aspiration/biopsy is used to diagnose what form of anemia (failure of bone marrow to produce RBCs as well as platelets and WBCs)?

Answer 7

Aplastic anemia

Question 9

What is the hematologic system composed of?

Answer 9

Blood and sites where blood is produced

Includes bone marrow and the reticuloendothelial system.

Question 10

What is the primary function of erythrocytes aka RBCs?

Answer 10

Transports oxygen

Question 11

What is the primary function of leukocytes?

Answer 11

Protect the body against infection

Question 12

What is the primary function of thrombocytes?

Answer 12

Control bleeding

Question 13

Where does hematopoiesis primarily occur?

Answer 13

Bone marrow

Question 14

What does blood transport?

Answer 14

Oxygen, nutrients, hormones, antibodies, and waste

Question 15

What is the normal RBC count for males?

Answer 15

4.35-5.65 trillion cells/L (4.35-5.65 million cells/mcL)

Question 16

What is the normal RBC count for females?

Answer 16

3.92-5.13 trillion cells/L (3.92-5.13 million cells/mcL)

Question 17

What is the normal range for Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV)?

Answer 17

80–100 fl (femtoliters)

Question 18

What is the normal hemoglobin range for males?

Answer 18

13.2-16.6 grams/dL (132-166 grams/L)

Question 19

What is the normal hemoglobin range for females?

Answer 19

11.6-15 grams/dL (116-150 grams/L)

Question 20

What is the normal hematocrit percentage for males?

Answer 20

38.3-48.6 percent

Question 21

What is the normal hematocrit percentage for females?

Answer 21

35.5-44.9 percent

Question 22

What is the normal WBC count range?

Answer 22

3.4-9.6 billion cells/L (3,400 to 9,600 cells/mcL)

Question 23

What is the normal platelet count range for males?

Answer 23

135-317 billion/L (135,000 to 317,000/mcL)

Question 24

What is the normal platelet count range for females?

Answer 24

157-371 billion/L (157,000 to 371,000/mcL)

Question 25

What is the normal Prothrombin Time (PT)?

Answer 25

11 to 13.5 seconds

Question 26

What is the normal International Normalized Ratio (INR)?

Answer 26

Less than 1.1 (2-3 therapeutic level with Coumadin)

Question 27

What is the normal Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT)?

Answer 27

30-45 seconds

Question 28

What defines anemia in terms of hemoglobin concentration?

Answer 28

Hemoglobin concentration is lower than normal (14-18 g/dl males, 12-16 g/dl for females)

Question 29

What is the difference between hypoproliferative vs. hemolytic anemia?

Answer 29

* Hypo-proliferation (↓ production): iron deficiency, megaloblastic/pernicious, aplastic) * Hemolytic (destruction): Sickle cell, Thalassemias

Question 30

What are common signs and symptoms of anemia?

Answer 30

* Increased HR * SOB * Fatigue * Dizziness * Chest pain * Pallor * Feeling cold

Question 31

What is Iron Deficiency Anemia caused by?

Answer 31

Insufficient dietary iron for synthesis of hemoglobin, malabsorption (e.g. Celiac's), blood loss, pregnancy

Question 32

What are the symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anemia?

Answer 32

* Fatigue * Dizziness * Chest pain, tachycardia, or SOB * Pallor * Feeling cold

Question 33

What treatment options exist for Iron Deficiency Anemia?

Answer 33

* Oral or IV iron supplements * Treating underlying cause * Symptom management * Blood transfusion

Question 34

What causes Anemia with Renal Disease?

Answer 34

Decreased erythropoietin production

Question 35

What is Aplastic Anemia?

Answer 35

Anemia caused by decreased or damaged bone marrow stem cells due to immune response

Question 36

What is the condition associated with Aplastic Anemia?

Answer 36

Pancytopenia

Question 37

What is Megaloblastic aka Pernicious Anemia caused by?

Answer 37

B12 or folic acid deficiency leading to large red blood cells

Question 38

What are symptoms associated with B12 deficiency?

Answer 38

* Smooth red tongue * Mild diarrhea * Pale mucous membranes * Confusion * Paresthesia * Trouble maintaining balance

Question 39

What is Sickle Cell Disease?

Answer 39

An autosomal recessive disorder caused by sickle hemoglobin gene (HbS)

Question 40

What are common treatments for Sickle Cell Disease?

Answer 40

* Prevention strategies * Stem cell transplant * Hydroxyurea * Folic acid supplementation * Blood transfusion * Pain medications * Antibiotics if needed

Question 41

What are the steps required for blood transfusion verification?

Answer 41

* Type and screen verification * Verify patent IV * Verify unit compatibility * Check blood for gas bubbles or discoloration

Question 42

What is a febrile non-hemolytic reaction in blood transfusion?

Answer 42

Caused by antibodies to donor white blood cells, non-life threatening

Question 43

What is an acute hemolytic reaction?

Answer 43

Potentially life threatening reaction due to incompatible blood type

Question 44

What are the symptoms of allergic reactions during blood transfusions?

Answer 44

* Itching * Hives * Flushing

Question 45

What is Thrombocytopenia?

Answer 45

Low platelet levels (<150,000/mm3)

Question 46

What are the causes of Thrombocytopenia?

Answer 46

* Decreased production * Increased destruction * Increased consumption

Question 47

What is Immune/Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)?

Answer 47

Acquired immune disorder causing thrombocytopenia from antiplatelet antibodies

Question 48

What are potential treatments for ITP?

Answer 48

* Manage cause * Immunosuppressive therapy * IVIG * Platelet transfusions

Question 49

What are the indications for plasma and platelet transfusions?

Answer 49

* Plasma for clotting factors and proteins * Platelets to increase numbers in blood

Question 50

What is the purpose of heparin drips?

Answer 50

Therapeutic prevention or treatment of blood clots

Question 51

What is Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT)?

Answer 51

Adverse drug reaction to heparin administration

Question 52

Hydroxyurea

Answer 52

Main medication used to treat Sickle Cell