MENNONITE COLLEGE OF NURSING at Illinois State University

Nursing Care of Children- 317

Handout
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF LEUKEMIA

PROLIFERATION OF IMMATURE
WHITE BLOOD CELLS (BLASTS)

BONE MARROW DEPRESSION

METABOLISM

WBC's
(decreased
immune
function)

RBC's
(decreased O2
carrying
capacity)

Platelets
(decreased
clotting
capacity)

Weight Loss

Bones

Fever, infection
(especially
pulmonary,
urinary, rectal
blood)

Weakness,
Malaise, Pallor

11/28/2016
Pathophysiology of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia

Increased
bruising/
petechiae,
Nose bleeds,
Bleeding from
gums

Bone pain,
Migratory joint
pain

ENLARGEMENT OF ORGANS
INFILTRATED BY BLAST CELLS

Spleen

Splenomegaly,
Abdominal
fullness

Liver

Hepatomegaly

Glands

Lymphadenopathy, Local
tenderness

Kidney

Kidney enlargement, Usually

no overt signs
or symptoms