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Platelet-associated bleeding disorders
1Cancer Program, Presbyterian Healthcare Services, Albuquerque, NM.
Objective:
To provide a review of platelet disorders, treatment, and nursing care.
Data Sources:
Review articles and book chapters pertaining to quantitative and qualitative platelet disorders.
Conclusions:
Platelet-associated bleeding disorders are classified as quantitative (abnormal number), qualitative (abnormal function), or hypercoagulable states (errors in hemostasis). The resulting complications include thrombocytosis, thrombocytopenia, hypercoagulation, or bleeding dyscrasias. The administration of drugs, plasma, or platelet therapy may be beneficial to these patients.
Implications For Nursing Practice:
Patients with platelet disorders are at great risk of life-threatening hemorrhage and require close monitoring to prevent unnecessary sequelae. Patient instruction to prevent trauma is required.