UTAH VALLEY UNIVERSITY
NURSING NOTES
INTRODUTION TO BLOOD
Week 1 Blood
Learning Objectives:
• Identify the cellular components of blood and state their functions.
• Explain the role of the white blood cells in protecting the body from
disease.
• Analyze complete blood counts.
• Learn how to use an automatic hematology analyzer and how to prepare
a peripheral
smear.
• Name the 4 major blood types in the ABO system.
• Explain the principles of blood typing using Eldon cards.
• Describe Rh incompatibility and hemolytic disease of the newborn.
Introduction:
The body is a complex multicellular organism that comprises trillions of cells
working together as tissues, organs, and systems. These cells require a
continuous supply of oxygen and nutrients in order to function. They also
need an efficient and fast means of delivery of these substances as well as a
means of removing waste byproducts.
Blood is composed of 2 components: blood plasma and the formed elements.
In the first lab simulation, you will generate complete blood counts and
prepare blood smears of control and patient samples to diagnose various
blood disorders in three patients. Dive into the inner workings of the different
blood components with immersive 3D animations, where you will get
acquainted with the morphology and function of red blood cells, white blood
cells, and platelets.
In the second lab you will learn the basics of antibodies. Even though
antibodies are proteins that protect us from harmful intruders, they can
sometimes cause problems. You will learn about antibody-antigen interaction
and the mechanism that lies behind Rh incompatibility. You will discover what
antigens and antibodies have to do with blood type, and why mixing certain
different blood types together can cause problems. In this simulation, you will
examine blood samples from a mother and her unborn child, to determine
whether or not they are compatible.
Assignment:
Part 1: Complete Labster “Hematology: Introduction to Blood”
