Case Studies

Case 3: A 30-year-old man with leukaemia (Part 5 The blood)

Malcolm goes to see his GP complaining of feeling very tired and with a chest cold which is really getting him depressed. He is concerned that he is not eating well and losing his appetite. His GP does some blood tests and informs him that he will want to see him once the blood results are back.

When Malcolm sees his GP after a few days for the blood result, he is informed by his GP that his white blood count is elevated (40 x 10⁹/L) and that he is going to refer him to a haematologist at their local hospital. Malcolm is admitted to the hospital, under the haematologist, for further tests and investigations. He is accompanied by his wife. At the hospital, Malcolm is seen by the consultant haematologist after the blood test and he informs Malcom that he has acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). Malcolm and his wife are shocked to hear the news.

Malcolm is commenced on a course of chemotherapy.

• 1. Discuss the risk factors of leukaemia.

• 2. Leukaemia can affect many systems in the body. Identify the systems and the symptoms associated with each.

• 3. What are the nursing priorities when caring for a patient with leukaemia?

• 4. What advice will you give Malcom before he is discharged after his chemotherapy?

• 5. Think about the side effects of chemo treatment and the effect it can have on the patient and family.