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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?

Schistocytes suggest normal platelet function.

Schistocytes are associated with thrombocytosis.

Schistocytes indicate hemolysis or microangiopathy.

Schistocytes confirm the absence of bleeding risk.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A rationale:

Schistocytes suggest normal platelet function.

Rationale: This statement is incorrect.

Schistocytes are not related to platelet function.

Schistocytes are fragmented red blood cells, and their presence on a peripheral blood smear suggests mechanical damage to red blood cells, not platelets.

Choice B rationale:

Schistocytes are associated with thrombocytosis.

Rationale: This statement is incorrect.

Schistocytes are not associated with thrombocytosis, which is an elevated platelet count.

They are more commonly associated with conditions involving red blood cell fragmentation, such as hemolysis or microangiopathy.

Choice C rationale:

Schistocytes indicate hemolysis or microangiopathy.

Rationale: This statement is correct.

Schistocytes are fragmented red blood cells, and their presence on a peripheral blood smear is indicative of hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells) or microangiopathy (damage to small blood vessels)

This finding suggests that the patient may have an underlying condition leading to red blood cell destruction, which can be associated with thrombocytopenia.

Choice D rationale:

Schistocytes confirm the absence of bleeding risk.

Rationale: This statement is incorrect.

Schistocytes do not confirm the absence of bleeding risk.

While they are associated with conditions involving red blood cell damage, they do not provide information about the patient's platelet count, which is a more direct factor in bleeding risk.

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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.

A. Encourage the patient to consume NSAIDs for pain relief. B. Teach the patient to avoid alcohol and aspirin. C. Suggest regular injections to stimulate platelet production. D. Advise the patient to skip monitoring platelet counts.

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.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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

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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?