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.”
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Encourage the patient to consume NSAIDs for pain relief.
Encouraging the use of NSAIDs for pain relief is not appropriate for patients with thrombocytopenia.
NSAIDs can further increase the risk of bleeding due to their antiplatelet effects.
Therefore, it is crucial to educate patients to avoid NSAIDs.
Choice B rationale:
Teach the patient to avoid alcohol and aspirin.
This is a crucial part of patient education for those with thrombocytopenia.
Alcohol and aspirin can both increase the risk of bleeding, so advising patients to avoid them is essential to minimize bleeding risks.
Choice C rationale:
Suggest regular injections to stimulate platelet production.
While there are treatments available to stimulate platelet production, they are typically prescribed by a healthcare provider based on the patient's specific diagnosis and medical needs.
Suggesting regular injections without medical guidance is not appropriate.
Choice D rationale:
Advise the patient to skip monitoring platelet counts.
Regular monitoring of platelet counts is essential for patients with thrombocytopenia to assess the effectiveness of treatment and identify any potential complications.
Advising the patient to skip monitoring is not appropriate and may lead to undetected issues.
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.
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