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?

The platelet count is likely within the normal range.

The platelet count may be below 50,000/uL, indicating a risk of prolonged bleeding.

The platelet count is typically above 100,000/uL in thrombocytopenia.

The platelet count does not affect bleeding symptoms.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

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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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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.

A. Fever. B. Confusion. C. Swelling of affected limbs. D. Blood in stool (hematochezia) E. Elevated liver function tests (ALT and AST)

Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]

Explanation

Confusion.

C. Swelling of affected limbs.

D. Blood in stool (hematochezia)

Choice A rationale:

Fever.

Rationale: Fever is not typically associated with thrombocytopenia itself.

Thrombocytopenia primarily affects the platelet count and can result in bleeding symptoms, but fever is not a direct symptom of thrombocytopenia.

Choice B rationale:

Confusion.

Rationale: Confusion can be a symptom of thrombocytopenia, especially if bleeding occurs in the brain, leading to neurological symptoms.

Thrombocytopenia can cause intracranial bleeding, which may result in confusion and altered mental status.

Choice C rationale:

Swelling of affected limbs.

Rationale: Swelling of affected limbs is not a common symptom of thrombocytopenia.

Thrombocytopenia primarily leads to bleeding symptoms, such as easy bruising, petechiae, or hematomas, rather than swelling.

Choice D rationale:

Blood in stool (hematochezia)

Rationale: Blood in stool (hematochezia) is a potential symptom of thrombocytopenia.

When platelet counts are low, it can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding, which may manifest as blood in the stool.

Choice E rationale:

Elevated liver function tests (ALT and AST)

Rationale: Elevated liver function tests (ALT and AST) are not typically associated with thrombocytopenia.

Thrombocytopenia is primarily related to platelet counts, while elevated liver function tests suggest liver dysfunction, which may have different causes.

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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?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

(Select all that apply):A nurse is assessing a patient with suspected thrombocytopenia.Which findings should the nurse consider as potential signs or symptoms of thrombocytopenia? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]

Explanation

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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?