| Hematologic System | ||
| Anemia | Bone marrow depressed secondary to therapy.
Malignant infiltration of bone marrow by cancer. |
Monitor hemoglobin and hematocrit levels.
Administer iron supplements and erythropoietin. Encourage intake of foods that promote RBC production |
| Leukopenia | Depression of bone marrow secondary to chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Infection most frequent cause of morbidity and death in cancer patients. Respiratory and genitourinary system usual sites of infection. |
Monitor WBC count, especially neutrophils.
Tell patient to report temperature elevation and any other manifestations of infection. Teach patient to avoid large crowds and people with infections. Administer WBC growth factors |
| Thrombocytopenia | Bone marrow depressed secondary to chemotherapy.
Malignant infiltration of bone marrow crowds out normal marrow. Spontaneous bleeding can occur with platelet counts ≤20,000/μL. |
Observe for signs of bleeding (e.g., petechiae, ecchymosis).
Monitor platelet counts. |
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