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?

The presence of lymphadenopathy.

The patient's history of herbal supplements.

Signs of infection or organ dysfunction.

The size and shape of platelets on a peripheral blood smear.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A rationale:

The presence of lymphadenopathy Lymphadenopathy refers to the enlargement of lymph nodes and is not a primary assessment finding to identify potential causes and types of thrombocytopenia.

While it may be relevant in some cases, it is not as prioritized as signs of infection or organ dysfunction.

Choice B rationale:

The patient's history of herbal supplements While the patient's history of herbal supplements is important to assess for potential causes of thrombocytopenia, it is not the most immediate assessment finding to prioritize.

Signs of infection or organ dysfunction are more crucial in the initial assessment as they may indicate acute and potentially life-threatening conditions.

Choice D rationale:

The size and shape of platelets on a peripheral blood smear The size and shape of platelets are important for diagnosing specific types of thrombocytopenia but are typically not the initial priority in the assessment.

Identifying signs of infection or organ dysfunction takes precedence because they can guide immediate intervention.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

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. 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.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

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?

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 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

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

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

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?

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

(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.

A client with thrombocytopenia is experiencing spontaneous bleeding.Which statement best explains the potential cause of this bleeding?

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

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?