Question

Michelle Chaney, age 20, is admitted to the medical-surgical unit with a diagnosis of idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP). A college student, she noted bruising on her body and excessive bleeding when brushing her teeth and went to the college health nurse. The nurse referred her to a healthcare provider, who assessed her laboratory data and made the initial diagnosis of idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP).

Michelle is 5 feet, 2 inches tall, and weighs 118 pounds.

Her vital signs are T 99°F, P 88, R 22, and BP 110/60.

Her history includes the usual childhood illnesses and a history of hypertension and heart disease in her father's extended family.

She takes no regular medications but reports taking an over-the counter vitamin supplement. She is a non-smoker.

1. What laboratory data and physical assessment data does the nurse expect as evidence of Michelle's diagnosis of ITP, and why?

Lab data:

Physical assessment findings:

Answer 1

Low level of the blood cells that prevent bleeding (Platelets count )Is Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.ITP.may occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks platelets.In children,it may follow a viral infection.In adults it may be chronic.

Physical assessment findings :Skin bruising ,Gum bleeding during brushing ,history of usual child hood disease with these nurse may suspect ITP. Because Skin bruising occur due to lack of platelets,Gum bleeding wont stop due to blood not clotting,In child hood ITP follow viral disease.

Lab Findings: Complete Blood count results Low platelets count .(Thrombocytopenia).Blood smear result with Varying platelets number with Unaffected morphology. Bone marrow test normal but Platelets decrease. These lab funding suggest Idiopathic thrombocytopenia.