Platelet-associated bleeding disorders.
OBJECTIVE
To provide a review of platelet disorders, treatment, and nursing care.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Shuey
K M
KM
Cancer Program, Presbyterian Healthcare Services, Albuquerque, NM.
D001791:Blood Platelet Disorders / Q000097:blood / Q000145:classification / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing; D005342:Fibrinolysis / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans