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
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:
"Spontaneous bleeding in thrombocytopenia is due to excessive clotting." Rationale: This statement is not accurate.
Thrombocytopenia is characterized by a low platelet count, which impairs the blood's ability to form clots.
Spontaneous bleeding occurs because there are not enough platelets to participate in clot formation.
Choice B rationale:
"Immune-mediated destruction of platelets leads to spontaneous bleeding." Rationale: This is the correct answer.
In thrombocytopenia, especially immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), the immune system destroys platelets, leading to a decreased platelet count.
This makes the patient more prone to spontaneous bleeding.
Choice C rationale:
"Bleeding occurs in thrombocytopenia due to increased platelet production." Rationale: This statement is incorrect.
Thrombocytopenia is characterized by a decreased platelet count, not increased production.
Choice D rationale:
"Thrombocytopenia-related bleeding is a result of heparin therapy." Rationale: This statement is inaccurate.
Thrombocytopenia related to heparin therapy is known as heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), and it occurs due to an immune response to heparin, not the same mechanism as in thrombocytopenia.
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