Question

A patients blood work reveals a platelet level of 17,000/mm3. When inspecting the patients integumentary system, what finding would be most consistent with this platelet level?

A) Dermatitis
B) Petechiae
C) Urticaria
D) Alopecia

Answer 1

Petechiae are small red or purple spots on the skin or mucous membranes that occur due to bleeding underneath the skin. They are caused by capillaries leaking blood. With a low platelet count, the blood is not able to clot properly, leading to the formation of petechiae.

Step-by-step explanation:

The finding that would be most consistent with a platelet level of 17,000/mm3 is Petechiae. Petechiae are small red or purple spots on the skin or mucous membranes that occur due to bleeding underneath the skin. They are caused by tiny blood vessels called capillaries leaking blood. With a low platelet count, the blood is not able to clot properly, leading to the formation of petechiae.