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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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Thyroid disease: While some thyroid diseases may indirectly contribute to anemia, thyroid disease itself does not directly cause low hemoglobin and hematocrit.
B. Anemia: Low hemoglobin and hematocrit levels indicate anemia, which can be caused by various factors, including blood loss, iron deficiency, or chronic disease.
C. Acute bronchitis: Acute bronchitis typically affects respiratory function and does not directly cause a decrease in hemoglobin or hematocrit.
D. Hemochromatosis: Hemochromatosis is characterized by excess iron in the body, often resulting in elevated rather than decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Jaw Pain: Jaw pain is not typically associated with a hemolytic transfusion reaction. It may be more relevant in cardiac issues or in rare cases of referred pain, but it is not an indicator of transfusion reaction.
B. Urticaria: Urticaria (hives) is associated with allergic reactions, not specifically with hemolytic reactions. Acute hemolytic reactions are characterized more by systemic symptoms like hypotension and fever.
C. Distended neck veins: Distended neck veins suggest fluid overload or cardiac issues but are not characteristic of an acute hemolytic reaction.
D. Hypotension: Hypotension is a common sign of an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction. This occurs when the immune system attacks transfused red blood cells, leading to hemolysis, which can cause shock and a drop-in blood pressure.