Nursing Weekly Discussion Post For Advanced Psychopathology (NURS – 6501N)

 Hematological System

Often in the medical field, an emphasis is placed on the importance of the heart and the lungs. While these two organs are vital to the sustainability of life, the blood is what makes the cardiovascular and respiratory systems function—it’s the connection for the heart and lungs. For this reason, disorders of the hematological system can be potentially devastating for patients. Consider the case of Connie Prochnow. Connie was diagnosed with leukemia after seeking medical care for bruising, shortness of breath, and exhaustion. Her blood disorder resulted in alterations that impacted other body systems, including her respiratory system (UW Health, 2012). Since the heart and the lungs rely so heavily on the blood, it is important that hematological disorders are quickly identified and managed.

Huether, S. E., & McCance, K. L. (2012). Understanding pathophysiology (Laureate custom ed.). St. Louis, MO: Mosby.

• Chapter 19, “Structure and Function of the Hematologic System”

This chapter examines components of the hematologic system, development of blood cells, mechanisms of hemostasis, and hematologic value changes in pediatrics and geriatrics. It also focuses on common blood tests for hematologic disorders.

• Chapter 20, “Alterations of Hematologic Function”

This chapter focuses on common alterations of hematologic function, including alterations of erythrocyte function, leukocyte function, lymphoid function, splenic function, platelets, and coagulation.

• Chapter 21, “Alterations of Hematologic Function in Children”

This chapter expands on alterations of hematologic function by presenting disorders that affect children, such as disorders of erythrocytes, coagulation, and platelets.

McPhee, S. J., & Hammer, G. D. (2010). Pathophysiology of disease: An introduction to clinical medicine (Laureate Education, Inc., custom ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Medical.

• Chapter 6, “Blood Disorders”

This chapter begins by exploring the anatomy and physiology of blood and the coagulation system. It then examines two types of anemia caused by red cell disorders. White blood cell disorders and platelet disorders are also examined.

Optional Resources

American Sickle Cell Anemia Association. (2010). Retrieved from http://www.ascaa.org/