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A client with thrombocytopenia presents with schistocytes on the peripheral blood smear.
What does the presence of schistocytes indicate, and how should the nurse interpret this finding?

Schistocytes suggest normal platelet function.

Schistocytes are associated with thrombocytosis.

Schistocytes indicate hemolysis or microangiopathy.

Schistocytes confirm the absence of bleeding risk.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

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.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

"ITP results from decreased platelet production in the bone marrow." Rationale: This statement is not accurate.

Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) is primarily a disorder of platelet destruction, not decreased production in the bone marrow.

In ITP, autoantibodies target platelets, leading to their destruction by macrophages.

Choice B rationale:

"In ITP, autoantibodies mark platelets for destruction by macrophages." Rationale: This is the correct answer.

ITP is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system produces autoantibodies that attach to platelets, tagging them for destruction by macrophages in the spleen and liver.

Choice C rationale:

"ITP is characterized by impaired cleavage of von Willebrand factor." Rationale: This statement is not accurate.

Impaired cleavage of von Willebrand factor is a characteristic of von Willebrand disease, a different bleeding disorder, not ITP.

Choice D rationale:

"Thrombocytopenia in ITP is triggered by heparin-platelet factor 4 complexes." Rationale: This statement is incorrect.

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) involves the formation of antibodies against heparin-platelet factor 4 complexes, leading to platelet activation and a decrease in platelet count.

This is a different condition than ITP.

A. "A platelet count below 100,000/uL is considered normal.” B. "A platelet count below 50,000/uL can result in prolonged bleeding.” C. "Platelet count has no impact on bleeding risk.” D. "Bleeding risk increases with a platelet count above 150,000/uL.”

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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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A client with thrombocytopenia presents with schistocytes on the peripheral blood smear.What does the presence of schistocytes indicate, and how should the nurse interpret this finding?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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A client with thrombocytopenia presents with schistocytes on the peripheral blood smear.
What does the presence of schistocytes indicate, and how should the nurse interpret this finding?