Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse Practice Exam

Which condition is identified by a deficiency of circulating platelets?

1. Hemophilia

2. Sickle cell anemia

3. Von Willebrand's disease

4. Thrombocytopenia

The correct answer is: Thrombocytopenia

The condition identified by a deficiency of circulating platelets is thrombocytopenia. This condition is characterized by a significantly lower than normal platelet count, which can lead to increased bleeding and bruising due to the essential role that platelets play in the blood clotting process. Various causes of thrombocytopenia include bone marrow disorders, autoimmune diseases, certain medications, and infections, among others. The other conditions mentioned in the options, while related to blood disorders, are characterized by different mechanisms. Hemophilia involves a deficiency of specific clotting factors rather than platelets, impacting the blood's ability to clot effectively. Sickle cell anemia is primarily a disorder of the red blood cells' shape and function, leading to various complications including vaso-occlusive crises and pain, but is not directly related to platelet deficiency. Von Willebrand's disease also pertains to clotting issues primarily due to a deficiency or dysfunction of von Willebrand factor, which plays a key role in platelet adhesion, but it does not represent a direct reduction in platelet counts as seen in thrombocytopenia.