Thrombocytopenia
Thrombocytopenia ( 15 Questions)
Which statement best explains the potential cause of this bleeding?
"Spontaneous bleeding in thrombocytopenia is due to excessive clotting." Rationale: This statement is not accurate. Thrombocytopenia is characterized by a low platelet count, which impairs the blood's ability to form clots. Spontaneous bleeding occurs because there are not enough platelets to participate in clot formation.
"Immune-mediated destruction of platelets leads to spontaneous bleeding." Rationale: This is the correct answer. In thrombocytopenia, especially immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), the immune system destroys platelets, leading to a decreased platelet count. This makes the patient more prone to spontaneous bleeding.
"Bleeding occurs in thrombocytopenia due to increased platelet production." Rationale: This statement is incorrect. Thrombocytopenia is characterized by a decreased platelet count, not increased production.
"Thrombocytopenia-related bleeding is a result of heparin therapy." Rationale: This statement is inaccurate. Thrombocytopenia related to heparin therapy is known as heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), and it occurs due to an immune response to heparin, not the same mechanism as in thrombocytopenia.
Choice A rationale:
"Spontaneous bleeding in thrombocytopenia is due to excessive clotting." Rationale: This statement is not accurate.
Thrombocytopenia is characterized by a low platelet count, which impairs the blood's ability to form clots.
Spontaneous bleeding occurs because there are not enough platelets to participate in clot formation.
Choice B rationale:
"Immune-mediated destruction of platelets leads to spontaneous bleeding." Rationale: This is the correct answer.
In thrombocytopenia, especially immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), the immune system destroys platelets, leading to a decreased platelet count.
This makes the patient more prone to spontaneous bleeding.
Choice C rationale:
"Bleeding occurs in thrombocytopenia due to increased platelet production." Rationale: This statement is incorrect.
Thrombocytopenia is characterized by a decreased platelet count, not increased production.
Choice D rationale:
"Thrombocytopenia-related bleeding is a result of heparin therapy." Rationale: This statement is inaccurate.
Thrombocytopenia related to heparin therapy is known as heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), and it occurs due to an immune response to heparin, not the same mechanism as in thrombocytopenia.