Platelets on the NCLEX
Normal range, bleeding thresholds, transfusion triggers, HIT.
Platelets 150-400 × 10^9/L. Bleeding risk parallels count.
Bleeding risk
<50K, risk with procedures. <20K, spontaneous bleeding risk. <10K, significant spontaneous bleed risk.
Transfusion
Generally <10K spontaneous bleed. <50K for procedure or active bleeding. <100K for neurosurgery.
HIT
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. >50% drop from baseline 5-14 days into heparin. Paradoxical thrombosis. Stop all heparin.
Increased platelets
Reactive (infection, inflammation, iron deficiency, post-splenectomy). Essential thrombocythemia. Polycythemia vera.
Frequently asked
Platelet count and surgery?
Most procedures safe at >50K. Major surgery typically >75-100K.
Treat asymptomatic mild thrombocytopenia?
Investigate cause. Not necessarily treat the number.
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