Thrombocytopenia
Thrombocytopenia ( 15 Questions)
A nurse is assessing a patient with suspected thrombocytopenia.
Which findings should the nurse consider as potential signs or symptoms of thrombocytopenia? Select all that apply.
Fever. Rationale: Fever is not typically associated with thrombocytopenia itself. Thrombocytopenia primarily affects the platelet count and can result in bleeding symptoms, but fever is not a direct symptom of thrombocytopenia.
Confusion. Rationale: Confusion can be a symptom of thrombocytopenia, especially if bleeding occurs in the brain, leading to neurological symptoms. Thrombocytopenia can cause intracranial bleeding, which may result in confusion and altered mental status.
Swelling of affected limbs. Rationale: Swelling of affected limbs is not a common symptom of thrombocytopenia. Thrombocytopenia primarily leads to bleeding symptoms, such as easy bruising, petechiae, or hematomas, rather than swelling.
Blood in stool (hematochezia) Rationale: Blood in stool (hematochezia) is a potential symptom of thrombocytopenia. When platelet counts are low, it can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding, which may manifest as blood in the stool.
Elevated liver function tests (ALT and AST) Rationale: Elevated liver function tests (ALT and AST) are not typically associated with thrombocytopenia. Thrombocytopenia is primarily related to platelet counts, while elevated liver function tests suggest liver dysfunction, which may have different causes.
Confusion.
C. Swelling of affected limbs.
D. Blood in stool (hematochezia)
Choice A rationale:
Fever.
Rationale: Fever is not typically associated with thrombocytopenia itself.
Thrombocytopenia primarily affects the platelet count and can result in bleeding symptoms, but fever is not a direct symptom of thrombocytopenia.
Choice B rationale:
Confusion.
Rationale: Confusion can be a symptom of thrombocytopenia, especially if bleeding occurs in the brain, leading to neurological symptoms.
Thrombocytopenia can cause intracranial bleeding, which may result in confusion and altered mental status.
Choice C rationale:
Swelling of affected limbs.
Rationale: Swelling of affected limbs is not a common symptom of thrombocytopenia.
Thrombocytopenia primarily leads to bleeding symptoms, such as easy bruising, petechiae, or hematomas, rather than swelling.
Choice D rationale:
Blood in stool (hematochezia)
Rationale: Blood in stool (hematochezia) is a potential symptom of thrombocytopenia.
When platelet counts are low, it can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding, which may manifest as blood in the stool.
Choice E rationale:
Elevated liver function tests (ALT and AST)
Rationale: Elevated liver function tests (ALT and AST) are not typically associated with thrombocytopenia.
Thrombocytopenia is primarily related to platelet counts, while elevated liver function tests suggest liver dysfunction, which may have different causes.