A nurse is conducting a physical examination of a patient suspected of having thrombocytopenia.
What assessment findings should the nurse prioritize to identify potential causes and types of thrombocytopenia?

The presence of lymphadenopathy.

The patient's history of herbal supplements.

Signs of infection or organ dysfunction.

The size and shape of platelets on a peripheral blood smear.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A rationale:

The presence of lymphadenopathy Lymphadenopathy refers to the enlargement of lymph nodes and is not a primary assessment finding to identify potential causes and types of thrombocytopenia.

While it may be relevant in some cases, it is not as prioritized as signs of infection or organ dysfunction.

Choice B rationale:

The patient's history of herbal supplements While the patient's history of herbal supplements is important to assess for potential causes of thrombocytopenia, it is not the most immediate assessment finding to prioritize.

Signs of infection or organ dysfunction are more crucial in the initial assessment as they may indicate acute and potentially life-threatening conditions.

Choice D rationale:

The size and shape of platelets on a peripheral blood smear The size and shape of platelets are important for diagnosing specific types of thrombocytopenia but are typically not the initial priority in the assessment.

Identifying signs of infection or organ dysfunction takes precedence because they can guide immediate intervention.

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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.

A. "ITP results from decreased platelet production in the bone marrow.” B. "In ITP, autoantibodies mark platelets for destruction by macrophages.” C. "ITP is characterized by impaired cleavage of von Willebrand factor.” D. "Thrombocytopenia in ITP is triggered by heparin-platelet factor 4 complexes.”

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.

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A nurse is conducting a physical examination of a patient suspected of having thrombocytopenia. What assessment findings should the nurse prioritize to identify potential causes and types of thrombocytopenia?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

(Select all that apply):A nurse is assessing a patient with suspected thrombocytopenia.Which findings should the nurse consider as potential signs or symptoms of thrombocytopenia? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a patient with thrombocytopenia.Which statement accurately describes the pathophysiology of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is educating a patient and their family about thrombocytopenia.Which statement accurately describes the normal platelet count range?

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A client has developed thrombocytopenia following chemotherapy.What is the likely cause of thrombocytopenia in this patient?

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A nurse is caring for a patient with thrombocytopenia.The patient reports experiencing hematochezia, fatigue, and abdominal pain.What should the nurse prioritize in the assessment of this patient?

A nurse is conducting a physical examination of a patient suspected of having thrombocytopenia. What assessment findings should the nurse prioritize to identify potential causes and types of thrombocytopenia?

A nurse is conducting a physical examination of a patient suspected of having thrombocytopenia.
What assessment findings should the nurse prioritize to identify potential causes and types of thrombocytopenia?