Thrombocytopenia
Thrombocytopenia ( 15 Questions)
A nurse is conducting a physical examination of a patient suspected of having thrombocytopenia.
What assessment findings should the nurse prioritize to identify potential causes and types of thrombocytopenia?
The presence of lymphadenopathy Lymphadenopathy refers to the enlargement of lymph nodes and is not a primary assessment finding to identify potential causes and types of thrombocytopenia. While it may be relevant in some cases, it is not as prioritized as signs of infection or organ dysfunction.
The patient's history of herbal supplements While the patient's history of herbal supplements is important to assess for potential causes of thrombocytopenia, it is not the most immediate assessment finding to prioritize. Signs of infection or organ dysfunction are more crucial in the initial assessment as they may indicate acute and potentially life-threatening conditions.
No explanation
The size and shape of platelets on a peripheral blood smear The size and shape of platelets are important for diagnosing specific types of thrombocytopenia but are typically not the initial priority in the assessment. Identifying signs of infection or organ dysfunction takes precedence because they can guide immediate intervention.
Choice A rationale:
The presence of lymphadenopathy Lymphadenopathy refers to the enlargement of lymph nodes and is not a primary assessment finding to identify potential causes and types of thrombocytopenia.
While it may be relevant in some cases, it is not as prioritized as signs of infection or organ dysfunction.
Choice B rationale:
The patient's history of herbal supplements While the patient's history of herbal supplements is important to assess for potential causes of thrombocytopenia, it is not the most immediate assessment finding to prioritize.
Signs of infection or organ dysfunction are more crucial in the initial assessment as they may indicate acute and potentially life-threatening conditions.
Choice D rationale:
The size and shape of platelets on a peripheral blood smear The size and shape of platelets are important for diagnosing specific types of thrombocytopenia but are typically not the initial priority in the assessment.
Identifying signs of infection or organ dysfunction takes precedence because they can guide immediate intervention.