Hematology / Blood System

Body Systems Hematology / Blood System
Hematology overview

Hematology / Blood System

Blood and coagulation conditions, evidence, coding, and nursing diagnoses.

Conditions

Major hematology conditions

Hematology 6 sections

Anemia

Anemia: Hgb <13.5 g/dL (men) or <12 g/dL (women). Classified by MCV: microcytic (iron deficiency), normocytic (chronic disease, AKI, blood loss), macrocytic (B12/folate). Identify and treat cause.

anemia anaemia low hemoglobin
Hematology 6 sections

SCD

SCD: hemoglobin S polymerization causing RBC sickling, hemolytic anemia, vaso-occlusion, and organ damage. Hydroxyurea reduces crises. Voxelotor and crizanlizumab are newer agents.

sickle cell disease SCD sickle cell anemia
Hematology 6 sections

VOC

Vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC): severe pain from ischemia in bones, chest, abdomen. Acute chest syndrome (ACS) — infiltrate + chest pain/fever — is life-threatening. Analgesia within 30 minutes.

VOC vaso-occlusive crisis sickle cell pain crisis
Hematology 6 sections

Low Platelets

Thrombocytopenia: platelet count <150,000. Causes: ITP (immune), HIT, TTP, DIC, drug-induced, liver disease, bone marrow failure. Spontaneous bleeding risk when platelets <20,000.

thrombocytopenia low platelets ITP
Hematology 6 sections

HIT

HIT is antibody-mediated platelet activation by heparin-PF4 complexes causing paradoxical thrombosis. Platelet drop ≥50% 5-14 days after heparin. Stop ALL heparin immediately — use alternative anticoagulant.

HIT heparin-induced thrombocytopenia HITT
Hematology 6 sections

DIC

DIC is pathologic systemic activation of coagulation causing simultaneous clotting and bleeding. Triggers: sepsis, trauma, obstetric emergencies, malignancy. Treat underlying cause + supportive.

DIC disseminated intravascular coagulation consumption coagulopathy
Hematology 6 sections

Anticoagulation

Anticoagulation therapy for VTE prevention, AF stroke prophylaxis, and mechanical valves. DOACs (direct oral anticoagulants) have largely replaced warfarin. Reversal agents are available for all major DOACs.

anticoagulation blood thinners warfarin
Hematology 6 sections

Febrile Neutropenia

Neutropenia: ANC <1500. Febrile neutropenia: ANC <500 + temperature ≥38.3°C — oncologic emergency requiring broad-spectrum antibiotics within 1 hour. MASCC score guides inpatient vs outpatient.

febrile neutropenia neutropenia FN
Nursing diagnoses & care plans

Related nursing diagnoses

NANDA Care plans

Nursing Diagnoses & Care Plans

Open the NANDA tool to review nursing diagnoses and care-plan concepts related to hematology conditions.