The government and healthcare facilities should continue to improve their approach to all-hazards preparedness, including preparedness for terrorist attacks with chemical, biological, or radioactive weapons. The healthcare team’s knowledge and ability to recognize these conditions is critical to preparedness efforts and maintaining individual and the population health. This module gives an overview of weapons of mass destruction and their symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
Von Willebrand disease (vWD) is the most common inherited genetic bleeding disorder, yet it is not well known or understood among the public or healthcare providers. Von Willebrand factor (vWF) is a protein that is essential for platelet aggregation and clotting. A low vWF can lead to heavy or prolonged bleeding. This most commonly appears as complaints of menorrhagia (i.e., heavy menstrual bleeding), prolonged bleeding after minor injuries, or gum bleeding. The clinician can advocate for proper diagnosis and treatment, as well as prevent adverse events by being aware of the presenting signs and types of the disorder, recognizing that many patients are asymptomatic, and understanding when a hematology consultation is warranted.
