What term describes a condition defined by a platelet count below 100,000 per microliter, with spontaneous bleeding likely when counts fall below 20,000 per microliter?

What term describes a condition defined by a platelet count below 100,000 per microliter, with spontaneous bleeding likely when counts fall below 20,000 per microliter?

• A. Thrombocytopenia
• B. Leukopenia
• C. Anemia
• D. Polycythemia

Answer: (A)

Low platelet count impairs primary hemostasis, the initial formation of the platelet plug that stops bleeding. When platelets are reduced, minimal trauma or mucosal surfaces can bleed spontaneously, especially as the level becomes very low. The term for a low platelet count is thrombocytopenia, which explains the scenario described. Leukopenia refers to low white blood cells, affecting infection risk; anemia is a reduction in red blood cells or hemoglobin; polycythemia is an excess of red blood cells. Therefore, the condition described is thrombocytopenia.

Low platelet count impairs primary hemostasis, the initial formation of the platelet plug that stops bleeding. When platelets are reduced, minimal trauma or mucosal surfaces can bleed spontaneously, especially as the level becomes very low. The term for a low platelet count is thrombocytopenia, which explains the scenario described. Leukopenia refers to low white blood cells, affecting infection risk; anemia is a reduction in red blood cells or hemoglobin; polycythemia is an excess of red blood cells. Therefore, the condition described is thrombocytopenia.