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 platelet count below 100,000/uL is considered normal.”
"A platelet count below 50,000/uL can result in prolonged bleeding.”
"Platelet count has no impact on bleeding risk.”
"Bleeding risk increases with a platelet count above 150,000/uL.”
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
"A platelet count below 100,000/uL is considered normal." Rationale: This statement is incorrect.
A normal platelet count typically ranges between 150,000 and 450,000/uL.
A platelet count below 100,000/uL is not considered normal and may indicate thrombocytopenia or another underlying issue.
Choice B rationale:
"A platelet count below 50,000/uL can result in prolonged bleeding." Rationale: This statement is correct.
Platelets are essential for normal blood clotting, and a platelet count below 50,000/uL can lead to an increased risk of bleeding, especially after minor trauma.
Severe bleeding risk typically occurs when the platelet count drops below 20,000/uL.
Choice C rationale:
"Platelet count has no impact on bleeding risk." Rationale: This statement is incorrect.
Platelet count directly affects bleeding risk.
A lower platelet count increases the risk of bleeding, while a higher count can lead to an increased risk of clot formation (thrombosis)
Choice D rationale:
"Bleeding risk increases with a platelet count above 150,000/uL." Rationale: This statement is incorrect.
A platelet count above 150,000/uL is within the normal range and does not increase the risk of bleeding.
Instead, it may increase the risk of thrombosis (excessive clotting)
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
"A normal platelet count is below 50,000/uL." Rationale: This statement is incorrect.
A platelet count below 50,000/uL is considered low and may indicate thrombocytopenia.
However, it is not within the normal range.
The normal platelet count range is higher.
Choice B rationale:
"The normal platelet count range is 150,000/uL to 400,000/uL." Rationale: This statement is accurate.
The normal platelet count range typically falls between 150,000/uL to 400,000/uL.
Platelets play a crucial role in blood clotting, and this range reflects the normal quantity needed for proper clot formation and prevention of excessive bleeding.
Choice C rationale:
"Platelet counts below 10,000/uL are considered normal." Rationale: This statement is incorrect.
A platelet count below 10,000/uL is extremely low and indicates severe thrombocytopenia.
It is not within the normal range.
Choice D rationale:
"A platelet count above 1,000,000/uL is typical in healthy individuals." Rationale: This statement is incorrect.
A platelet count above 1,000,000/uL is considered abnormally high and can lead to an increased risk of clot formation, which is not typical in healthy individuals.
The normal range is much lower.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Monitoring the patient's neurological status While monitoring neurological status is important in patient care, it is not the immediate priority when a patient with thrombocytopenia reports hematochezia (bloody stools), fatigue, and abdominal pain.
Checking vital signs helps assess the patient's overall stability and guides immediate interventions.
Choice C rationale:
Administering corticosteroids Administering corticosteroids may be a treatment option for certain types of thrombocytopenia, but it is not the initial priority in the assessment of a patient presenting with hematochezia, fatigue, and abdominal pain.
First, the nurse needs to assess the patient's condition and vital signs to determine the severity of the situation.
Choice D rationale:
Preparing the patient for a splenectomy Preparing a patient for a splenectomy is a significant intervention and should not be the initial priority in this case.
It may be considered as a treatment option in some cases of thrombocytopenia, but it should not take precedence over assessing the patient's vital signs and overall condition.
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