Amira Case Study

1.Discuss the significance of Amira’s laboratory findings. The patient, Amira’s lab values is as follows;
Hematology: hemoglobin 10.1 g/dL; hematocrit 25%; platelets 50,000/mm3; white blood cell count 2,000/mm3; differential: neutrophils 20%.

The chemotherapy treatment, causes a variety of side effects. One of the adverse effect is

called as myelosuppression, where the bone marrow activity is decreased resulting in

fewer red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets (National Cancer Institute [NIH], n.d.).

The normal hematological lab values for a 13 year old female are as follows:

Hemoglobin – 12 g/dl – 16 g/dl (Where Amira’s hemoglobin level is 10.1g/dl)
Hematocrit – 36% - 45% (Amira’s hematocrit is 25%)
Platelets - 150,000–450,000/μL
Amira’s lab values clearly indicates myelosuppression secondary to chemotherapy,
• High risk for impaired tissue perfusion related to low hemoglobin and hematocrit values.
• Impaired oral mucous membrane secondary to anemia and reduced platelets.
• Activity intolerance related to fatigue secondary to anemia.
• Knowledge deficit related to disease process, treatment regimen, and lack of exposure to the resources.
• Anxiety related to fear of leukemia diagnosis.
4. Discuss the common complications (adverse effects) of chemotherapy? The most common adverse effects of the chemotherapy include fatigue, pain (headaches, muscle pain, stomach pain, pain from nerve damage), mouth and throat sores, nausea and

vomiting, constipation, alopecia, loss of appetite, changes in thinking and memory,

and reproductive issues. The chemotherapy can also cause blood disorders due to bone

marrow suppression characterized by anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia (NIH,

n.d.). There are certain chemotherapeutic drugs that cause nerve damage and the patient

will exhibit the symptoms of tingling, burning, weakness or numbness in the hands and

feet, weak, sore, achy muscles, loss of balance , shaking trembling etc. (Cancer.Net,