Medical Quizzes Nursing

Question:
The primary purpose of a platelet count is to evaluate the:

Option A):
Presence of an antigen-antibody response
Option B):
Potential for clot formation
Option C):
Potential for bleeding
Option D):
Presence of cardiac enzymes

Correct Answer is Option B):
Potential for clot formation

Explanation:
Platelets are disk-shaped cells that are essential for blood coagulation. A platelet count determines the number of thrombocytes in blood available for promoting hemostasis and assisting with blood coagulation after injury. It also is used to evaluate the patient’s potential for bleeding; however, this is not its primary purpose. The normal count ranges from 150,000 to 350,000/mm3. A count of 100,000/mm3 or less indicates a potential for bleeding; count of less than 20,000/mm3 is associated with spontaneous bleeding.