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

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.

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.