Platelet-associated bleeding disorders.

OBJECTIVE: To provide a review of platelet disorders, treatment, and nursing care. DATA SOURCES: Review articles and book chapters pertaining to quantitative and qualitative platelet disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Platelet-associated bleeding disorders are classified as quantitative (abnormal number), qualitative (abnormal function), or hypercoagulable states (errors in hemostasis). The resulting complications include thrombocytosis, thrombocytopenia, hypercoagulation, or bleeding dyscrasias. The administration of drugs, plasma, or platelet therapy may be beneficial to these patients. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Patients with platelet disorders are at great risk of life-threatening hemorrhage and require close monitoring to prevent unnecessary sequelae. Patient instruction to prevent trauma is required.

Heart, lung, and endocrine complications of solid tumors.

Many cancers and complications of cancer treatment may cause major critical care problems. Cardiopulmonary complications include pericardial effusion, cardiac tamponade, superior vena cava syndrome, pleural effusion, pulmonary embolism, radiation pneumonitis, and toxicities related to chemotherapy. Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH), Cushing's disease, and hypercalcemia are common endocrine complications associated with solid tumors. Astute nursing assessment plays an important role in preventing or reducing morbidity related to these complications.