Hematology Exam Review: Anemia, Leukemia, Platelet Disorders & Coagulation for Physician Assistants

Strengthen your exam prep with this podcast-style summary of the most essential hematology topics from A Comprehensive Review for the Certification and Recertification Examinations for Physician Assistants by Claire Babcock O'Connell and Thea Cogan-Drew. This guide reviews red and white blood cell disorders, platelet abnormalities, and key principles of coagulation—equipping physician assistants with crucial knowledge for certification and clinical care.

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Red Blood Cell Disorders

• Anemia: Includes microcytic (iron deficiency), normocytic (chronic disease), and macrocytic (B12 or folate deficiency) types. Symptoms: fatigue, pallor, weakness. Diagnosis: CBC, peripheral smear, iron/ferritin, B12, folate levels.
• Sickle Cell Disease & Thalassemia: Genetic hemoglobinopathies causing anemia, pain crises, and increased infection risk. Managed with supportive care, hydroxyurea, and in severe cases, stem cell transplantation.

White Blood Cell Disorders

• Leukopenia & Leukocytosis: Abnormal WBC counts due to infection, medications, or marrow disorders.
• Leukemias: Acute (ALL, AML) and chronic (CLL, CML) forms. Diagnosed via CBC, bone marrow biopsy, and genetic markers (e.g., Philadelphia chromosome). Treatment: chemotherapy, monoclonal antibodies, stem cell transplantation.
• Lymphomas & Multiple Myeloma: Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas involve lymphatic tissues; multiple myeloma affects plasma cells. Diagnosis: imaging, biopsy, protein markers.

Platelet & Bleeding Disorders

• Thrombocytopenia: Low platelet count due to ITP, TTP, or HIT. Symptoms: mucocutaneous bleeding, petechiae, purpura.
• Coagulation Disorders: Hemophilia A/B (factor VIII/IX deficiency), von Willebrand disease, and vitamin K deficiency. Manifest as prolonged bleeding, hemarthroses, or mucosal bleeding. Treatment: factor replacement, vitamin K, or desmopressin for vWD.

Hypercoagulable States

• Inherited and Acquired Thrombotic Disorders: Conditions like Factor V Leiden, protein C/S deficiency, antiphospholipid syndrome increase clotting risk. Management: anticoagulation with heparin, warfarin, or DOACs.

Glossary of Key Terms

• Anemia: Low red blood cell count or hemoglobin, leading to fatigue and weakness.
• Leukemia: Cancer of blood-forming tissues, including bone marrow and lymphatic system.
• Thrombocytopenia: Low platelet count, causing increased bleeding risk.
• Hemophilia: Genetic disorder with clotting factor deficiency.
• Hypercoagulability: Increased risk of thrombosis due to genetic or acquired factors.
• CBC: Complete Blood Count, a fundamental blood test for diagnosing hematologic conditions.

Conclusion: Hematology Exam Success Strategies

To succeed on your physician assistant certification exam, be confident in recognizing, diagnosing, and managing the full spectrum of blood disorders. Focus on distinguishing the types of anemia and leukemia, understanding key features of bleeding and clotting disorders, and recognizing life-threatening presentations that require urgent care.

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