Pathophysiology: The Hematologic System

Course overview

Patients with disorders of the blood and blood-forming organs have special needs, partly because a disturbance in blood production or bone marrow functioning can affect every organ system. These disorders can produce symptoms that become life threatening. Many patients' lives become uncertain in a number of ways, as bleeding is often a constant threat; discomfort can evolve into severe pain; recurrent infections that are resistant to treatment can be life threatening; and weakness can become incapacitating fatigue. There may be little energy to devote to family, friends, job, school, or recreation. Therefore, both physiological and psychosocial support are essential nursing measures. Nurses caring for these patients should first assess them thoroughly. Planning and implementing care for such patients must be broad in scope, considering all potential problems and plans of action.