An IV drug user was diagnosed with hepatitis C 5 years ago. The patient is now experiencing impaired blood clotting. The nurse suspects a decrease in which of the following vitamins?

Alterations in hematologic function can occur in cell count or function, and can be caused by a variety of factors, including malnutrition, genetics, neoplastic, and autoimmune. The hematologic system produces new blood cells through a process called hematopoiesis, which occurs in bone marrow. The bone marrow contains multipotential stem cells that differentiate into four types of blood cells: Erythrocytes: The most common type of blood cell Granulocytes: A group of white blood cells that contain granules in their cytoplasm Agranulocytes: A type of white blood cell that includes monocytes... Show more

Alterations in hematologic function can occur in cell count or function, and can be caused by a variety of factors, including malnutrition, genetics, neoplastic, and autoimmune. The hematologic system produces new blood cells through a process called hematopoiesis, which occurs in bone marrow. The bone marrow contains multipotential stem cells that differentiate into four types of blood cells:
Erythrocytes: The most common type of blood cell
Granulocytes: A group of white blood cells that contain granules in their cytoplasm
Agranulocytes: A type of white blood cell that includes monocytes and lymphocytes
Platelets: Also called thrombocytes 

Alterations of erythrocyte function can involve:
Insufficient or excessive numbers of erythrocytes in the circulation
Normal numbers of cells with abnormal components 
Anemia is a condition in which there are too few erythrocytes or an insufficient volume of erythrocytes in the blood. Other hematologic disorders include: Blood cell cancers, Genetic disorders, HIV related conditions, Sickle cell disease, and Complications due to chemotherapy treatment or transfusions. 
 

Related Test: Pathophysiology Practice Test: Structure and Function of the Hematologic System

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