A nurse is caring for a patient with thrombocytopenia.
The patient presents with mucosal bleeding, including petechiae, purpura, and gingival bleeding.
What should the nurse anticipate when assessing this patient's platelet count?
The platelet count is likely within the normal range.
The platelet count may be below 50,000/uL, indicating a risk of prolonged bleeding.
The platelet count is typically above 100,000/uL in thrombocytopenia.
The platelet count does not affect bleeding symptoms.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
"The platelet count is likely within the normal range." Rationale: This statement is unlikely to be true.
Given that the patient is presenting with mucosal bleeding, including petechiae, purpura, and gingival bleeding, it suggests a potential problem with platelet function.
Platelet counts within the normal range do not typically lead to these bleeding symptoms.
Choice B rationale:
"The platelet count may be below 50,000/uL, indicating a risk of prolonged bleeding." Rationale: This statement is accurate.
The symptoms described (petechiae, purpura, and gingival bleeding) are indicative of thrombocytopenia, where the platelet count is typically below 50,000/uL.
This lower count increases the risk of prolonged bleeding and bruising.
Choice C rationale:
"The platelet count is typically above 100,000/uL in thrombocytopenia." Rationale: This statement is not accurate.
Thrombocytopenia is characterized by a decrease in platelet count, often below 100,000/uL, as seen in choice B.
A platelet count above 100,000/uL is not typical in thrombocytopenia.
Choice D rationale:
"The platelet count does not affect bleeding symptoms." Rationale: This statement is incorrect.
Platelet count plays a significant role in the body's ability to form blood clots and prevent bleeding.
Low platelet counts can lead to bleeding symptoms, as described in the patient's presentation of mucosal bleeding.
Platelet count is indeed relevant in assessing and managing bleeding risk in thrombocytopenia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
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)
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.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.