Aplasia

Definition

Aplasia is the incomplete or absent development of an organ or tissue. In hematology, aplastic anemia refers to bone marrow failure producing pancytopenia. Low counts of red cells, white cells, and platelets.

Causes of Aplastic Anemia

• Idiopathic (most common)
• Viral infections (hepatitis, parvovirus B19, HIV)
• Radiation and chemotherapy
• Autoimmune destruction of hematopoietic stem cells
• Certain drugs (chloramphenicol, carbamazepine, NSAIDs)

Signs and Symptoms

Fatigue, pallor, tachycardia, dyspnea (anemia); fever, infection (leukopenia); petechiae, bruising, bleeding (thrombocytopenia).

Nursing Interventions

Implement neutropenic precautions (private room, no fresh flowers/raw produce, strict hand hygiene). Institute bleeding precautions (soft toothbrush, electric razor, avoid IM injections, fall prevention). Administer transfusions and growth factors (filgrastim). Prepare patient for potential bone marrow transplant.

NCLEX Relevance

Recognize pancytopenia as the hallmark. Nursing care centers on preventing infection and bleeding.