Question

A 35 year old female patient has multiple petechiae

hemorrhages of the palatal mucosa and ecchymoses
of the right and left buccal mucosae. Which of the
following is the most likely laboratory finding?
A. Anemia.
B. Prolonged partial thromboplastin time (PTT).
C. Elevated INR.
D. Thrombocytopenia.

Answer 1

The most likely laboratory finding in a patient with multiple petechiae and ecchymoses is thrombocytopenia, a low platelet count leading to increased bleeding and bruising.

Step-by-step explanation:

A 35-year-old female with multiple petechiae hemorrhages of the palatal mucosa and ecchymoses of the right and left buccal mucosae is likely to exhibit certain abnormal laboratory findings. Given the presentation of petechiae and ecchymoses, which are small red or purple spots on the skin and larger patches of bruising, respectively, caused by blood leaking out of damaged vessels, the most likely laboratory finding for this patient would be thrombocytopenia. Thrombocytopenia is a condition characterized by a low platelet count, which can lead to increased bleeding and bruising.