ERYTHROCYTIC LEUKAEMIA
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
Provide information about pathophysiology