LB
2010
Disease: Thrombocytopenia (low platelet level) most common cause of abnormal bleeding.
What is it?
Decreased production of platelets due to: malignancy, Aplastic anemia,
septicemia, toxins (benzenes, flu), cytotoxic medications, infections.
Increased Destruction of platelets which can occur with Antibiotics, lupus,
malignancy, medications (digoxin, phenytoin, aspirin) and post viral
INFECTION. or Increased Consumption from DIC
Who gets it?
Prevention?
Assessment?
Presenting signs and
symptoms
Diagnosis Studies
platelet count < 50,000 bleeding and Petechiae
Platelet count < 20000: nosebleeds, gingival bleeding, excessive menstrual
bleeding and hemorrhage after surgery or dental extractions.
Platelet count < 5,000: spontaneous fatal central nervous system
hemorrhage or GI hemorrhage.
bone marrow aspiration/biopsy.
Major Nursing
diagnoses for
patient:
Potential
complications
Major goals for this
patient?
Labs
Nursing Interventions
Interventions
NO Plavix! No Aspirin! Prevention of injury, stopping or slowing bleeding,
admin medications and platelets as ordered.
Care
Evaluation
Treatment
Treatment of underlying disease. Platelet transfusions to raise platelet
count. Splenectomy can be therapeutic.