Thrombocytopenia is a condition in which you have a low blood platelet count.
Platelets help your blood to clot.
Platelet=thrombocyte
Normal Range: 150,000-450,000 platelets/microliter
Symptoms
- Purpura- Easy or excessive bruising
- Petechiae
- Prolonged bleeding
- Bleeding from gums or nose
- Blood in urine or stools
- Increased menstrual flows
- Enlarged spleen
Causes
Decreased production
- Leukemia
- Aplastic anemia
- Viral infections
- Chemotherapy
- Heavy alcohol use
- Heparin (HIT)
Destruction
- Pregnancy
- Bacteremia
- Surgery (example: artificial heart valves)
- Cirrhosis
Sequestration
Trapped in an enlarged spleen which decreases the number in circulation
Diagnosis
- Blood test
- Bone marrow biopsy
- CT scan (enlarged spleen)
Nursing Interventions
- Blood or platelet transfusions
- Administer Medications (corticosteroids)
- Assist with splenectomy
- Plasma exchange
- Education: avoiding contact sports, decrease alcohol consumption, stop taking medications like aspirin, get vaccinated