A patient is experiencing pinpoint petechial bruising on her upper torso. Her history revealed frequent nosebleeds during her childhood. Clot-based screening assays are within normal reference ranges, and platelet function assays are abnormal. Based on this information, what appears to be defective in this patient?
A) Coagulation factors
B) Platelets
C) The vasculature
D) Fibrinolytic system

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of pinpoint petechial bruising suggests a problem with platelets, which are responsible for maintaining hemostasis and preventing bleeding. The normal clot-based screening assays suggest that coagulation factors are functioning properly, while the abnormal platelet function assays confirm the suspected platelet defect. The vasculature and fibrinolytic system are not directly implicated in this presentation.

A Patient Is Experiencing Pinpoint Petechial Bruising on Her Upper