A patient visits a physician because of unexplained bruising and prolonged bleeding from a recent tooth extraction. The physician orders a prothrombin time (PT) and an APTT. Results are within normal reference ranges. What other tests could the physician order to investigate the patient's symptoms?
A) Platelet count and platelet function assays
B) Platelet function assays
C) Platelet count only
D) Repetition of the PT and the APTT after the beginning of treatment

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Since the PT and APTT are within normal reference ranges, it is less likely that the patient has a coagulation factor deficiency. However, the symptoms of unexplained bruising and prolonged bleeding suggest a potential issue with platelets. Therefore, ordering a platelet count and platelet function assays would help investigate the patient's symptoms further. Repetition of the PT and APTT after the beginning of treatment is not necessary since the initial results were within normal reference ranges.

A Patient Visits a Physician Because of Unexplained Bruising and Prolonged