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","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.
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.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.