A client with thrombocytopenia presents with petechiae, pallor, and weakness.
Which intervention should the nurse implement to address the client's symptoms?
Apply pressure to any bleeding site and elevate the affected area.
Administer plasma exchange therapy.
Monitor renal function and fluid balance.
Prepare the client for immunosuppressant therapy.
The Correct Answer is A
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
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.
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.
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