Blood Function and Clinical Clues Quiz

Hemoglobin's primary role is to bind and transport oxygen from the lungs to the tissues throughout the body.

Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell, and they are crucial in fighting off bacterial infections by engulfing and destroying bacteria.

Platelets aggregate or clump together at the site of injury, forming a temporary plug to stop bleeding. This process relies on the key factor von Willebrand factor.

The liver is responsible for synthesizing most clotting factors, which are essential proteins involved in the coagulation cascade that leads to blood clot formation.

Cell-mediated immunity involves T cells, which directly attack infected cells or foreign substances. It's crucial for controlling intracellular infections, like those caused by viruses and certain bacteria.

Petechiae, which are tiny red or purple spots on the skin, are commonly associated with low platelet counts, a condition known as thrombocytopenia.

Platelet aggregation studies are the most appropriate test to evaluate platelet function, particularly in cases of suspected aspirin toxicity, because they assess the ability of platelets to stick together properly.

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is characterized by a decrease in platelet count and the paradoxical occurrence of thrombosis (clotting). It's an immune reaction triggered by heparin exposure.

An enlarged liver, often associated with various conditions such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and heart failure.

A type of jaundice characterized by high levels of unconjugated bilirubin in the blood, often caused by problems with bilirubin processing in the liver.

A type of anemia characterized by larger than normal red blood cells due to a deficiency in folate or vitamin B12.

A severe form of vitamin B12 deficiency that leads to impaired absorption of vitamin B12 due to lack of intrinsic factor.

A condition where red blood cells are smaller than normal due to insufficient iron in the body, often caused by chronic blood loss.

A primary diagnostic test for iron deficiency anemia, it measures iron levels and ferritin (a protein that stores iron) in the blood.

The first sign of response to oral iron therapy for iron deficiency anemia, indicating the bone marrow is producing more red blood cells.

A protein produced in the stomach that aids in the absorption of vitamin B12 in the small intestine.

A significant decrease in white blood cell (WBC) count, often below 2,000/μL, indicating a compromised immune system and a potential for severe infection.

A rapid increase in white blood cell count, often exceeding 50,000/μL, usually due to a non-malignant condition like a severe infection or inflammatory response.

A complication that develops after starting heparin therapy, characterized by a rapid decrease in platelet count within 48 hours, often leading to thrombosis.

A condition marked by a decrease in red blood cell volume, resulting in diluted blood due to increased plasma volume.

A type of anemia characterized by small, pale red blood cells (microcytosis and hypochromia) due to iron deficiency.

A serious complication of vitamin B12 deficiency, affecting the nervous system and causing symptoms like numbness, tingling, and weakness.

A condition characterized by elevated levels of unconjugated bilirubin, primarily caused by excessive red blood cell breakdown (hemolysis).

A finding often seen in obstructive jaundice, where bile flow is blocked, resulting in pale, clay-colored stools.

The act of transfusing blood products to replenish blood volume and address anemia, typically initiated when hemoglobin levels fall below a certain threshold.

A deliberate strategy used in managing trauma patients, aiming to maintain a lower systolic blood pressure (typically 80-90 mmHg) for a short period.

An increase in the number of immature neutrophils (bands) in the blood, indicating an active bacterial infection.

Elevated levels of unconjugated bilirubin without any evidence of hemolysis, usually caused by genetic conditions like Gilbert syndrome.

A strategy involving a specific ratio of packed red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, and platelets during massive blood transfusions.

A strategy of maintaining a lower systolic blood pressure (usually 70-80 mmHg) for a short period to prevent further complications in certain trauma patients.

A finding on a peripheral smear that suggests severe bacterial infection, characterized by the presence of granules in neutrophils.

A condition characterized by the presence of a left shift and a significantly elevated white blood cell count (greater than 50,000/μL), mimicking leukemia but not cancerous.

A condition often presenting with a left shift in the WBC differential and a positive Coombs test, indicating an autoimmune attack on red blood cells.