Low platelets increase the risk of which complication?

Low platelets increase the risk of which complication?

• A. Bleeding
• B. Hypertension
• C. Seizures
• D. Edema

Answer: (A)

Low platelets disrupt the body's ability to stop bleeding. Platelets are the first responders in hemostasis, forming a platelet plug at sites of vessel injury and supporting the coagulation cascade to seal leaks. When the platelet count is low, this plug is insufficient, so bleeding occurs more easily and lasts longer after minor injuries. You may see easy bruising, nosebleeds, gum bleeding, or petechiae, and in more severe cases, spontaneous bleeding can happen, including internal or brain bleeding. Hypertension, seizures, and edema aren’t direct consequences of having low platelets—the bleeding risk is the key link to thrombocytopenia.

Low platelets disrupt the body's ability to stop bleeding. Platelets are the first responders in hemostasis, forming a platelet plug at sites of vessel injury and supporting the coagulation cascade to seal leaks. When the platelet count is low, this plug is insufficient, so bleeding occurs more easily and lasts longer after minor injuries. You may see easy bruising, nosebleeds, gum bleeding, or petechiae, and in more severe cases, spontaneous bleeding can happen, including internal or brain bleeding. Hypertension, seizures, and edema aren’t direct consequences of having low platelets—the bleeding risk is the key link to thrombocytopenia.