Thrombocytopenia
Thrombocytopenia ( 15 Questions)
The patient presents with mucosal bleeding, including petechiae, purpura, and gingival bleeding.
What should the nurse anticipate when assessing this patient's platelet count?
"The platelet count is likely within the normal range." Rationale: This statement is unlikely to be true. Given that the patient is presenting with mucosal bleeding, including petechiae, purpura, and gingival bleeding, it suggests a potential problem with platelet function. Platelet counts within the normal range do not typically lead to these bleeding symptoms.
"The platelet count may be below 50,000/uL, indicating a risk of prolonged bleeding." Rationale: This statement is accurate. The symptoms described (petechiae, purpura, and gingival bleeding) are indicative of thrombocytopenia, where the platelet count is typically below 50,000/uL. This lower count increases the risk of prolonged bleeding and bruising.
"The platelet count is typically above 100,000/uL in thrombocytopenia." Rationale: This statement is not accurate. Thrombocytopenia is characterized by a decrease in platelet count, often below 100,000/uL, as seen in choice B. A platelet count above 100,000/uL is not typical in thrombocytopenia.
"The platelet count does not affect bleeding symptoms." Rationale: This statement is incorrect. Platelet count plays a significant role in the body's ability to form blood clots and prevent bleeding. Low platelet counts can lead to bleeding symptoms, as described in the patient's presentation of mucosal bleeding. Platelet count is indeed relevant in assessing and managing bleeding risk in thrombocytopenia.
Choice A rationale:
"The platelet count is likely within the normal range." Rationale: This statement is unlikely to be true.
Given that the patient is presenting with mucosal bleeding, including petechiae, purpura, and gingival bleeding, it suggests a potential problem with platelet function.
Platelet counts within the normal range do not typically lead to these bleeding symptoms.
Choice B rationale:
"The platelet count may be below 50,000/uL, indicating a risk of prolonged bleeding." Rationale: This statement is accurate.
The symptoms described (petechiae, purpura, and gingival bleeding) are indicative of thrombocytopenia, where the platelet count is typically below 50,000/uL.
This lower count increases the risk of prolonged bleeding and bruising.
Choice C rationale:
"The platelet count is typically above 100,000/uL in thrombocytopenia." Rationale: This statement is not accurate.
Thrombocytopenia is characterized by a decrease in platelet count, often below 100,000/uL, as seen in choice B.
A platelet count above 100,000/uL is not typical in thrombocytopenia.
Choice D rationale:
"The platelet count does not affect bleeding symptoms." Rationale: This statement is incorrect.
Platelet count plays a significant role in the body's ability to form blood clots and prevent bleeding.
Low platelet counts can lead to bleeding symptoms, as described in the patient's presentation of mucosal bleeding.
Platelet count is indeed relevant in assessing and managing bleeding risk in thrombocytopenia.