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.”
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)
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
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.
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.
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