ERYTHROCYTIC LEUKAEMIA LUKEMIA

pathophysiology

Definition

Is the cancer of the body's blood forming tissues

Including the bone marrow and the lymphatic system

They normally grow and divide in an orderly way

As your body needs them

Leukaemia involves the white blood cells which fight infection

In people with leukaemia, bone marrow produces abnormal white blood cells which do not function properly

Clinical manifestations

Losing weight without trying

Swollen lymph nodes, enlarged liver or spleen

frequent or severe infections

Easy bleeding or bruising

recurrent nose bleeds

Excessive sweating especially at night

Persistent fatigue and weakness

Fever and chills

Bone pain

Causes

Certain abnormalities cause the cell to grow and divide more rapidly

And to continue living when normal cells can crowd out healthy

Changes in the cells

Blood cells in the bone marrow leading to fewer healthy white blood cells

Occur when some blood cell acquire mutation in their DNA

Red blood cells and platelets causing the signs of leukaemia

Risk factors

Exposure to certain chemicals

Smoking

Genetic disorders

Family history of leukaemia

Previous cancer treatment

Age

Physical agents

Nursing care plan

Diagnostic tests

Bone marrow tests

Blood tests

Physical exam

Pharmacological treatment

Targeted therapy , eg Imatinid stops the action of a protein

Radiation therapy

Biological therapy

Stem cell transplant

Chemotherapy, injected drugs into veins

Expected outcome

Nursing intervention

Nursing diagnosis

Evaluation

Problem

Fear and anxiety due to diagnosis of cancer

Fear of pain and abondment

Fear of disfigurement

Dependency and stigmatisation

Improved self confidence

Positive outlook on life

Appropiate response to problems

Ability to seek and and accept support from significant others

As well as the family support system

The patient demonstrate acceptance of the diagnosis of cancer

Provide the patient with information about the diagnosis and the outcome

Interview patient and family to assess normal coping style and its effectiveness

By talking about the disease and its treatment

Fatigue and weakness

Pain due to cancer and cancer therapy

Reduction and control of pain

Altered comfort and decreased activity

Reduction and control of pain

Maintain activity level in accordance with the progress of the disease or treatment

control other symptoms that may exarcabate fatigue

Assess the level of pain using a suitable assessment method

Patient performs activities within his or her tolerance level

Patience reports no pain at all with decreased tolerance within 24 hours

Nursing management

Administer medication as prescribed

Take care of pre an post surgery

Assess the level pf fatigue and establish a base lne

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