Module 13: Hematological Disorders
Module Authors
Roy A. Guizado, M.S., PA-C
Chair, Physician Assistant Program
Assistant Professor, Department of Physician Assistant Education
Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA
Camille Fitzpatrick ANP-C MSN
Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine
University of California Irvine, CA
Medical Coordinator, Laguna Beach Community Clinic, Laguna Beach, CA
Tina M. Meyer, PA-C
Clinical Consultant and Adjunct Professor
Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA
Review Concepts
Review Concept 1: Microcytic Anemias
By the end of this Review Concept you should be able to:
- Define normal red blood cell indices
- Classify common anemias based on the physical characteristics of red blood cells in each case
- Differentiate between the different microcytic anemias in terms of etiology and clinical presentation
- Describe the pathophysiology, diagnostic workup and clinical management of iron deficiency anemia
- Describe the pathophysiology and diagnostic workup of thalassemia
- Differentiate thalassemia minor, thalassemia intermedia, and beta thalassemia major in terms of clinical presentation and management
- Discuss the pathophysiology of hemoglobinopathies.
- Discuss the etiology, diagnostic workup and clinical management of sickle cell anemia
Review Concept 2: Macrocytic Anemias and Polycythemia Vera
By the end of this Review Concept you should be able to:
- Describe the etiology of macrocytic anemias
- Describe the epidemiology, diagnostic workup and clinical management of Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia
- Differentiate between pernicious anemia and Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia
- Describe the epidemiology, diagnostic workup and clinical management of folate deficiency anemia.
- Identify causes of normocytic normochromic anemia
- Differentiate primary and secondary polycythemia vera with respect to risk factors and clinical management
- Describe the epidemiology, diagnostic workup and clinical management of polycythemia vera
Review Concept 3: Bleeding Disorders
By the end of this Review Concept you should be able to:
- Explain primary and secondary mechanisms of hemostasis
- Correlate common hemostatic disorders with the pathogenic mechanism responsible
- Describe the epidemiology, diagnostic workup and clinical management of thrombocytopenia
- Describe clinical presentation of Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) and its relationship to thrombocytopenia
- Explain the events that characterize intrinsic and extrinsic coagulation pathways
- Compare and contrast the pathophysiology, diagnostic workup, and clinical management of Hemophilia A and B.
- Describe the epidemiology, diagnostic workup and clinical management of von Willebrand's disease
Review Concept 4: White Blood Cell Disorders
By the end of this Review Concept you should be able to:
- List the white blood cells that comprise the human immune system
- Describe three processes of immunological protection that involve neutrophils
- Define and describe the etiology of the following white cells disorders:
- Neutropenia
- Neutrophilia
- Lymphopenia
- Lymphocytosis
- Eosinopenia
- Eosinophilia
- Basophilia
- Monocytosis
- List malignant and nonmalignant disorders that involve white blood cells
- Describe the major disease components of the 4 main types of leukemia
- Describe the major disease components of Hodgkins and Non-Hodgkins lymphoma
- Describe the major disease components of lymphoma
- Describe the major disease components of multiple myeloma
Review Concept 5: HIV and AIDS: Epidemiology and Pathogenesis
By the end of this Review Concept you should be able to:
- Define the terms AIDS and HIV, and the interrelationship between the two
- Describe common modes of HIV transmission
- Identify populations at risk for acquiring the AIDS virus
- Explain the pathogenesis of HIV
- Describe defects in the normal immune system that characterize HIV infection
- Describe the progression of HIV infection
- Explain how the CDC classification system is used to categorize different types of HIV infection
Review Concept 6: HIV and AIDS: Diagnostic Workup
By the end of this Review Concept you should be able to:
- Describe clinical manifestations used in the differential diagnosis of AIDS in different age groups.
- Describe the causes and clinical manifestations of common pathologies associated with AIDS
- Outline goals in the clinical evaluation of patients with HIV infections
- Identify data collected during the health history that are relevant in the diagnostic workup of the HIV-infected patient
- Identify relevant physical examination procedures and findings in the HIV infected patient
- Identify laboratory tests that are helpful in establishing the presence and progression of HIV infection
Review Concept 7: HIV and AIDS: Clinical Management of AIDS and Opportunistic Infections
By the end of this Review Concept you should be able to:
- Identify pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions used to treat HIV and associated pathologies.
- Describe indications and contraindications for the pharmacological treatment of HIV infections.
- Describe side effects associated with therapies used in the treatment of AIDS.
- Describe psychosocial issues that are relevant in the management of individuals with HIV.
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