Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune condition in which antibodies bind to and cause destruction of platelets. Clients with ITP have a platelet count <150,000/mm³ (150 x 109/L) and are at increased risk of bleeding.
Key teaching to reduce the client's risk of bleeding includes:
- Use soft-bristle toothbrushes, gentle flossing, and nonalcoholic mouthwashes.
These prevent periodontal disease and gingival bleeding (Option 1).
- Avoid activities that may cause trauma (eg, high-intensity sports). Appropriate exercise includes low-impact activity (eg, walking) while wearing nonskid footwear to help prevent falls (Option 2).
- Take prescribed stool softeners and laxatives as needed. These medications prevent hard stools and straining, which can cause anorectal fissuring, bleeding, and hemorrhoids (Option 4).
(Option 3) Clients with ITP should use electric razors instead of safety or straight razors. Electric razors have a more complete guard, reducing the risk of accidentally nicking the skin.
(Option 5) Clients with ITP should avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (eg, aspirin, ibuprofen, ketorolac), which further impair platelet function. Acetaminophen and opiates are better options for pain management.
Educational objective:
Clients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) have low platelet counts and an increased risk of bleeding. Appropriate care for clients with ITP includes safe exercise; using stool softeners, electric razors, and soft-bristle toothbrushes; and avoiding nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune condition in which antibodies bind to and cause destruction of platelets. Clients with ITP have a platelet count <150,000/mm³ (150 x 109/L) and are at increased risk of bleeding.
Key teaching to reduce the client's risk of bleeding includes:
- Use soft-bristle toothbrushes, gentle flossing, and nonalcoholic mouthwashes.
These prevent periodontal disease and gingival bleeding (Option 1).
- Avoid activities that may cause trauma (eg, high-intensity sports). Appropriate exercise includes low-impact activity (eg, walking) while wearing nonskid footwear to help prevent falls (Option 2).
- Take prescribed stool softeners and laxatives as needed. These medications prevent hard stools and straining, which can cause anorectal fissuring, bleeding, and hemorrhoids (Option 4).
(Option 3) Clients with ITP should use electric razors instead of safety or straight razors. Electric razors have a more complete guard, reducing the risk of accidentally nicking the skin.
(Option 5) Clients with ITP should avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (eg, aspirin, ibuprofen, ketorolac), which further impair platelet function. Acetaminophen and opiates are better options for pain management.
Educational objective:
Clients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) have low platelet counts and an increased risk of bleeding. Appropriate care for clients with ITP includes safe exercise; using stool softeners, electric razors, and soft-bristle toothbrushes; and avoiding nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
