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A client with thrombocytopenia experiences prolonged bleeding even after minor trauma.
What statement by the nurse accurately explains the relationship between platelet count and bleeding risk?

"A platelet count below 100,000/uL is considered normal.”

"A platelet count below 50,000/uL can result in prolonged bleeding.”

"Platelet count has no impact on bleeding risk.”

"Bleeding risk increases with a platelet count above 150,000/uL.”

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale:

"A platelet count below 100,000/uL is considered normal." Rationale: This statement is incorrect.

A normal platelet count typically ranges between 150,000 and 450,000/uL.

A platelet count below 100,000/uL is not considered normal and may indicate thrombocytopenia or another underlying issue.

Choice B rationale:

"A platelet count below 50,000/uL can result in prolonged bleeding." Rationale: This statement is correct.

Platelets are essential for normal blood clotting, and a platelet count below 50,000/uL can lead to an increased risk of bleeding, especially after minor trauma.

Severe bleeding risk typically occurs when the platelet count drops below 20,000/uL.

Choice C rationale:

"Platelet count has no impact on bleeding risk." Rationale: This statement is incorrect.

Platelet count directly affects bleeding risk.

A lower platelet count increases the risk of bleeding, while a higher count can lead to an increased risk of clot formation (thrombosis)

Choice D rationale:

"Bleeding risk increases with a platelet count above 150,000/uL." Rationale: This statement is incorrect.

A platelet count above 150,000/uL is within the normal range and does not increase the risk of bleeding.

Instead, it may increase the risk of thrombosis (excessive clotting)

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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.

A. Apply pressure to any bleeding site and elevate the affected area. B. Administer plasma exchange therapy. C. Monitor renal function and fluid balance. D. Prepare the client for immunosuppressant therapy.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice B rationale:

Administer plasma exchange therapy Administering plasma exchange therapy may be indicated in some cases of thrombocytopenia, but it is not the initial intervention when a client presents with petechiae, pallor, and weakness.

The primary concern in this situation is addressing active bleeding, which is best managed by applying pressure to bleeding sites and elevating the affected area.

Choice C rationale:

Monitor renal function and fluid balance While monitoring renal function and fluid balance is important in the overall care of a client with thrombocytopenia, it is not the immediate intervention when the client presents with symptoms of bleeding and weakness.

The priority is to stop the bleeding by applying pressure and elevating the affected area.

Choice D rationale:

Prepare the client for immunosuppressant therapy Immunosuppressant therapy may be considered as a treatment option for certain types of thrombocytopenia, but it is not the initial intervention when the client has active bleeding and weakness.

The immediate focus should be on bleeding control and symptom management.

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A client with thrombocytopenia experiences prolonged bleeding even after minor trauma.What statement by the nurse accurately explains the relationship between platelet count and bleeding risk?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is A

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A client with thrombocytopenia experiences prolonged bleeding even after minor trauma.
What statement by the nurse accurately explains the relationship between platelet count and bleeding risk?