The nurse is caring for a patient who must undergo a splenectomy for treatment for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Which of the following statements best describes the rationale for the splenectomy?
The spleen is the primary site for platelet destruction.
The spleen is at risk for infection due to the critical loss of WBCs.
Your spleen is making too many platelets.
The spleen causes an overabundance of immature platelets.
The Correct Answer is A
A. The spleen is the primary site for platelet destruction. In ITP, the spleen often sequesters and destroys platelets, leading to low platelet levels. Removing the spleen reduces platelet destruction and can help increase platelet counts in affected patients.
B. The spleen is at risk for infection due to the critical loss of WBCs. While infection risk increases after splenectomy, this is not the rationale for the procedure. The spleen does play a role in immune function, but splenectomy is indicated for reducing platelet destruction, not infection prevention.
C. Your spleen is making too many platelets. The spleen does not produce platelets; rather, it filters and sometimes destroys them, particularly in ITP. This choice does not accurately reflect the pathophysiology of ITP.
D. The spleen causes an overabundance of immature platelets. The spleen does not cause an increase in immature platelets. In ITP, platelets are destroyed, not overproduced.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "My son will have to grow a beard." Growing a beard is irrelevant to managing hemophilia and preventing bleeding.
B. "My son will have to avoid contact sports." Avoiding contact sports is essential for children with hemophilia to reduce the risk of trauma and bleeding episodes due to their clotting factor deficiency.
C. "My son will have to avoid fresh foods such as fruit in his diet." Fresh foods like fruits do not pose a bleeding risk for hemophilia; dietary restrictions are generally unnecessary in managing this condition.
D. "My son will always have to live near a major hospital."While proximity to a healthcare facility can be helpful in emergencies, this is not a requirement for managing hemophilia, nor does it directly prevent bleeding episodes.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Hip: While “hip” can sometimes colloquially refer to the iliac crest, it is not commonly used to describe the specific site for aspiration outside of the iliac crest.
B. Cervical spine: The cervical spine is not a site used for bone marrow aspiration due to its inaccessibility and proximity to critical structures.
C. Sternum: The sternum is a common site for bone marrow aspiration in adults as it provides direct access to the marrow.
D. Humerus: The humerus is generally not used for bone marrow aspirations as it does not provide as accessible or large an area for aspiration.
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