A patient with idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura continues to experience symptoms of the disease after completing several courses of prednisone (Meticorten) therapy. The nurse anticipates that which of the following will most likely be indicated for this patient?

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If prednisone therapy has failed, splenectomy may be considered as the next step in treatment for idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP). The spleen is a site where platelets are destroyed, and removing the spleen helps to increase platelet counts. Life-long prednisone therapy is not a preferred option due to the risk of long-term side effects. Aspirin therapy may worsen bleeding in patients with low platelet counts. Weekly platelet transfusions are not a sustainable long-term solution and may increase the risk of infection and transfusion reactions.

A Patient with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura Continues to Experience Symptoms