Which of the following are potential causes of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)? Select all that apply
Primary ITP due to creation of antibodies to platelet antigens
Bacterial infection such as H. pylori
Viral infections like Epstein Barr virus
ITP is caused by a decrease in platelet production
Secondary ITP due to inadequate platelet production
Correct Answer : A,B,C
Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an acquired bleeding disorder characterized by an isolated low platelet count (thrombocytopenia). The pathophysiology involves autoantibody-mediated destruction of platelets by splenic macrophages. This immune dysregulation can arise spontaneously or be triggered by specific pathogenic infections that induce molecular mimicry, causing the immune system to misidentify platelet glycoproteins as foreign antigens.
Rationale:
A. Primary ITP is a classic cause where the immune system develops autoantibodies against its own platelet antigens. These antibodies, usually IgG, coat the platelets and lead to their premature clearance by the spleen. This results in a significant reduction in circulating platelets, increasing the risk of petechiae, ecchymosis, and mucosal bleeding.
B. Bacterial infections such as Helicobacter pylori have been scientifically linked to the development of secondary ITP. In many cases, eradicating the infection with antibiotics leads to an increase in the platelet count. The mechanism is thought to involve cross-reactive antibodies that target both the bacteria and the patient's own platelet surfaces.
C. Viral infections like the Epstein Barr virus (EBV) are known triggers for the immune system to malfunction and produce anti-platelet antibodies. This is often seen in pediatric or post-viral cases where the ITP follows an acute infection. The virus disrupts normal immune tolerance, leading to the transient or chronic destruction of the patient's platelets.
D. ITP is not primarily caused by a decrease in platelet production; it is characterized by increased destruction. While some patients may have secondary marrow issues, the defining feature of ITP is the accelerated clearance of healthy platelets from the peripheral circulation. Therefore, stating that a production decrease is the cause misrepresents the autoimmune nature of the disease.
E. Secondary ITP is defined by immune destruction associated with another condition, not inadequate production. Conditions that cause inadequate production fall under the category of bone marrow failure or aplastic anemia. In ITP, the bone marrow is typically normal or shows increased megakaryocytes as it attempts to compensate for the rapid peripheral destruction.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Blood urea nitrogen(BUN) is a metabolic byproduct of protein catabolism that is normally filtered by the glomeruli. While it is a marker of renal function, it is also highly sensitive to volume status. In cases of dehydration or pre-renal azotemia, the slower flow of filtrate through the tubules allows for increased reabsorption of urea into the blood, leading to an elevated BUN disproportionate to creatinine levels.
Rationale:
A.An increased blood urea nitrogen(BUN) often indicates a state of dehydration or pre-renal azotemia, suggesting the need for increased fluid intake. When intravascular volume is low, renal perfusion decreases, causing the BUN to rise. If the BUN-to-creatinine ratio exceeds 20:1, it strongly suggests that the patient's renal function is being hampered by insufficient fluid volume.
B.A decreased sodium level, or hyponatremia, in a kidney failure patient usually indicates fluid volume excess rather than a need for more fluids. This is typically a "dilutional" hyponatremia where the patient has retained too much water relative to sodium. Adding more fluids in this scenario would worsen the electrolyte imbalance and increase the risk of cerebral edema.
C.Increased creatinine levels signify intrinsic damage to the nephrons and a reduction in the glomerular filtration rate. Unlike BUN, creatinine is not significantly affected by hydration status alone and is a more permanent marker of kidney damage. Raising fluid intake may not necessarily lower creatinine if the underlying renal tissue is chronically scarred or acutely necrotic.
D.Pale-colored urine indicates that the urine is dilute and the kidneys are successfully excreting water. This is a sign of adequate hydration rather than a need for increased fluid intake. In kidney failure, the inability to concentrate urine can also result in pale urine, but it never serves as an indicator for more fluid administration.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Ascitesis the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, driven by portal hypertension and low serum albumin levels. A major contributor to this process is the activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, which causes the kidneys to retain sodium and water. Managing the total body sodium load is the primary non-pharmacological strategy used to reduce fluid accumulation and decrease the need for paracentesis.
Rationale:
A.Sodiumrestriction is the most important dietary intervention for managing ascites. Sodium promotes water retentionthrough osmotic pressure; as the body retains salt, it also retains water, worsening the peritoneal effusion. Typically, a limit of 2,000 milligrams per day or less is recommended to help mobilize fluid out of the abdomen and into the vascular space for excretion.
B.Potassium restriction is generally not required for ascites unless the patient also has significant renal failure. In fact, many patients with cirrhosis and ascites require potassium supplementation because the diuretics used to treat the fluid (like furosemide) cause potassium loss. Potassium is not the primary driver of the osmotic shifts that lead to ascites.
C.Magnesium levels are often low in patients with cirrhosis, especially those with a history of alcohol use. Restricting magnesium would be counterproductive and could lead to neurological or cardiac complications. There is no physiological benefit to restricting magnesium for the purpose of controlling fluid accumulation in the peritoneal cavity.
D.Calcium restriction is not indicated for the management of ascites. Many patients with liver disease are already at risk for bone loss due to malabsorption of fat-soluble vitamins, including Vitamin D. Restricting calcium would provide no benefit for fluid management and could potentially exacerbate underlying skeletal issues common in chronic liver disease.
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