Clinical Case Study: Evaluating An Abnormal CBC
Discussion Board for Ch. 15
p. 456 Clinical Case Study: Evaluating an abnormal CBC
1. Note that the platelet count is very low. How does this affect the patient? Discuss measures to protect him.
2. Note that the white blood cell count is abnormally low. With the second line of defense impaired, how should the first line of defense be protected?
Roger, like many other cancer patients is suffering from thrombocytopenia, a condition in which a person’s blood has a remarkably low level of platelets. This has a dangerous effect on the patient, Roger, since platelets stop bleeding by aiding clot blood and plugging damaged blood vessels. With his low platelet count, Roger with suffer from symptoms such as increased weakness, bleeding nose or gums, dizziness, headaches, and much more. Protective measures must be taken, if chemotherapy is ongoing, the oncologist may be able to lower the chemotherapy dose or may choose to extend the time between treatment cycles. …show more content…
If you notice, both conditions end in the suffix -penia, which means to lack or deficiency. So, if you break down the work leukopenia, it literally translates to a lack or deficiency of white blood cells. Leukocytes play a vital role in the body’s second line of defense, with Roger suffering from leukopenia, it means his body’s first line of defense must be protected, due part that his second line of defense has been comprised. There are several ways to protect the Roger’s body’s first line of defense. First, practice good hygiene, the basics of handwashing is one of the most important preventive measures. Second, avoid, to the best of his ability, people who are sick. Third, maintain intact skin, this means immediately addressing any wounds, skin rashes, practicing good oral hygiene. Lastly, having good diet and eating habits will make a world of difference. If all protective measures fail, Roger must immediately seek medical
p. 456 Clinical Case Study: Evaluating an abnormal CBC
1. Note that the platelet count is very low. How does this affect the patient? Discuss measures to protect him.
2. Note that the white blood cell count is abnormally low. With the second line of defense impaired, how should the first line of defense be protected?
Roger, like many other cancer patients is suffering from thrombocytopenia, a condition in which a person’s blood has a remarkably low level of platelets. This has a dangerous effect on the patient, Roger, since platelets stop bleeding by aiding clot blood and plugging damaged blood vessels. With his low platelet count, Roger with suffer from symptoms such as increased weakness, bleeding nose or gums, dizziness, headaches, and much more. Protective measures must be taken, if chemotherapy is ongoing, the oncologist may be able to lower the chemotherapy dose or may choose to extend the time between treatment cycles. …show more content…
If you notice, both conditions end in the suffix -penia, which means to lack or deficiency. So, if you break down the work leukopenia, it literally translates to a lack or deficiency of white blood cells. Leukocytes play a vital role in the body’s second line of defense, with Roger suffering from leukopenia, it means his body’s first line of defense must be protected, due part that his second line of defense has been comprised. There are several ways to protect the Roger’s body’s first line of defense. First, practice good hygiene, the basics of handwashing is one of the most important preventive measures. Second, avoid, to the best of his ability, people who are sick. Third, maintain intact skin, this means immediately addressing any wounds, skin rashes, practicing good oral hygiene. Lastly, having good diet and eating habits will make a world of difference. If all protective measures fail, Roger must immediately seek medical