3.3 General Hematological System Assessment
When evaluating a client for possible disorders of the hematology system, the nurse pays close attention to risk factors, cultural factors, and socioeconomic factors, in addition to the client’s health history, physical examination findings, and diagnostic test results.
Risk Factors & Social Determinants of Health Related to Hematological System Risk Factors
Assessing for hematological risk factors allows health care professionals to identify individuals who may be at a higher risk of developing blood-related disorders. Identification of risk factors will allow for early intervention and preventative measures to be enacted, potentially impacting the severity or progression of the hematological alteration. It is important that nurses and health professionals carefully consider the following risk factors:
- Family History/Genetic Predisposition: Family history of certain blood disorders can increase an individual’s risk of developing the same condition. For example, hemophilia, a bleeding disorder, has a genetic predisposition.
- Age: Many hematological disorders are more commonly seen in older individuals. For example, anemia and chronic leukemia commonly occur in older adults.
- Environmental Exposures: Exposure to certain environmental toxins, radiation, or chemicals can increase an individual’s risk for developing a hematological condition. For example, exposure to benzene is an environmental risk for hematological conditions.
- Nutrition: Inadequate intake or absorption of essential nutrients, such as iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid, can lead to certain blood disorders. For example, iron-deficiency anemia can be caused by a lack of iron in the diet. Chronic health issues like inflammatory bowel disease can interfere with the absorption of nutrients.
- Medications: Medications can affect blood cell production and function. For example, chemotherapy and immunosuppressive medications can affect blood cell production and function.
- Underlying Health Conditions: Chronic health conditions can affect blood cell production and function, such as chronic kidney disease and liver disease.[1],[2]
Cultural Factors
Cultural practices, beliefs, and lifestyle choices can influence an individual’s health, including their risk for developing hematological conditions.
- Diet and Nutrition: Cultural dietary patterns can affect an individual’s intake of essential nutrients like iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid that are needed for healthy blood cell production. For example, vegetarian or vegan diets are often low in iron and can increase the risk for developing anemia.
- Herbal Medicines: Some cultural practices involve the use of traditional medicines and herbal remedies. While some herbal remedies may have beneficial effects, others might interfere with blood clotting or blood cell function and the risk of hematological disorders. For example, ginseng and green tea can interfere with blood clotting and should be dis