Ambulatory Care Nurse Certification Practice Exam

A platelet count of 15,000/mm³ signifies a severe thrombocytopenia condition, placing the patient at a significant risk for bleeding. Platelets play a crucial role in hemostasis; they are essential for the blood clotting process. Normal platelet counts range from approximately 150,000 to 450,000/mm³.

When platelet levels drop below 20,000/mm³, spontaneous bleeding may occur, and levels below 10,000/mm³ can lead to life-threatening hemorrhages. In the case of a count at 15,000/mm³, the patient is well below this critical threshold, indicating an urgent need for medical intervention to manage and prevent potential bleeding complications.

The other platelet counts listed, while lower than normal, do not pose the same immediate risk of bleeding. Levels of 50,000/mm³ and above, for instance, are generally adequate to allow for some clotting capability, making spontaneous bleeding much less likely. Hence, the significant elevation of risk at 15,000/mm³ compared to other options aligns with understanding the clinical implications of varying platelet counts.