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A client has developed thrombocytopenia following chemotherapy.
What is the likely cause of thrombocytopenia in this patient?

"Increased platelet production due to chemotherapy.”

"Immune-mediated platelet destruction caused by chemotherapy.”

"Thrombocytopenia in this case is unrelated to chemotherapy.”

"Thrombocytopenia results from the inhibition of platelet aggregation by chemotherapy.”

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale:

"Increased platelet production due to chemotherapy." Rationale: This statement is not accurate.

Chemotherapy often suppresses bone marrow function, leading to a decrease in platelet production, not an increase.

Thrombocytopenia is a common side effect of chemotherapy due to reduced platelet production.

Choice B rationale:

"Immune-mediated platelet destruction caused by chemotherapy." Rationale: This statement is correct.

Thrombocytopenia in patients undergoing chemotherapy is often due to immune-mediated platelet destruction.

Chemotherapy can trigger an autoimmune response, leading to the destruction of platelets by the immune system.

Choice C rationale:

"Thrombocytopenia in this case is unrelated to chemotherapy." Rationale: This statement is unlikely to be true.

Thrombocytopenia occurring in a patient following chemotherapy is often directly related to the treatment.

While other factors may contribute, chemotherapy is a known cause of decreased platelet counts.

Choice D rationale:

"Thrombocytopenia results from the inhibition of platelet aggregation by chemotherapy." Rationale: This statement is not accurate.

Chemotherapy primarily affects platelet production and can lead to a decrease in platelet count.

It does not typically inhibit platelet aggregation.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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.

A. Apply pressure to any bleeding site and elevate the affected area. B. Administer plasma exchange therapy. C. Monitor renal function and fluid balance. D. Prepare the client for immunosuppressant therapy.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice B rationale:

Administer plasma exchange therapy Administering plasma exchange therapy may be indicated in some cases of thrombocytopenia, but it is not the initial intervention when a client presents with petechiae, pallor, and weakness.

The primary concern in this situation is addressing active bleeding, which is best managed by applying pressure to bleeding sites and elevating the affected area.

Choice C rationale:

Monitor renal function and fluid balance While monitoring renal function and fluid balance is important in the overall care of a client with thrombocytopenia, it is not the immediate intervention when the client presents with symptoms of bleeding and weakness.

The priority is to stop the bleeding by applying pressure and elevating the affected area.

Choice D rationale:

Prepare the client for immunosuppressant therapy Immunosuppressant therapy may be considered as a treatment option for certain types of thrombocytopenia, but it is not the initial intervention when the client has active bleeding and weakness.

The immediate focus should be on bleeding control and symptom management.

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A client has developed thrombocytopenia following chemotherapy.What is the likely cause of thrombocytopenia in this patient?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a patient with thrombocytopenia.The patient presents with mucosal bleeding, including petechiae, purpura, and gingival bleeding.What should the nurse anticipate when assessing this patient's platelet count?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client with thrombocytopenia presents with petechiae, pallor, and weakness.Which intervention should the nurse implement to address the client's symptoms?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with thrombocytopenia. What should the nurse include in the patient education regarding self-care measures?

A client with thrombocytopenia presents with schistocytes on the peripheral blood smear.What does the presence of schistocytes indicate, and how should the nurse interpret this finding?

A client with thrombocytopenia is at risk of bleeding complications.Which nursing intervention is essential to prevent and manage bleeding in this client?

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?

(Select all that apply): A nurse is assessing a patient with thrombocytopenia.Which interventions are appropriate for this patient? Select all that apply.

A client with thrombocytopenia experiences prolonged bleeding even after minor trauma.What statement by the nurse accurately explains the relationship between platelet count and bleeding risk?

A nurse is caring for a patient with thrombocytopenia.Which statement accurately describes the pathophysiology of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)?

A nurse is caring for a patient with thrombocytopenia.The patient reports experiencing hematochezia, fatigue, and abdominal pain.What should the nurse prioritize in the assessment of this patient?

A client has developed thrombocytopenia following chemotherapy.
What is the likely cause of thrombocytopenia in this patient?