ATI RN Maternal Newborn 2023/24 1st Attempt & Retake Related

Review ATI RN Maternal Newborn 2023/24 1st Attempt & Retake related questions and content

A nurse is assessing a client who is postpartum and has idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP). Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

  • A. Decreased platelet count
  • B. Increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
  • C. Decreased megakaryocytes
  • D. Increased WBC
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decreased platelet count. In ITP, there is a decrease in the number of platelets, leading to an increased risk of bleeding. Platelets are essential for blood clotting, so a decreased count can result in easy bruising, petechiae, and prolonged bleeding. The other choices are incorrect because in ITP, there is no significant increase in ESR, decrease in megakaryocytes (which are platelet precursors), or increase in WBC count. By understanding the pathophysiology of ITP and its effects on platelets, we can confidently select choice A as the expected finding in this scenario.