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

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura who do not respond to corticosteroid therapy, a splenectomy may be recommended. The spleen is responsible for removing abnormal or old blood cells, including platelets. Removing the spleen decreases destruction of platelets and can lead to an improvement in platelet counts. However, a splenectomy carries some risks and should be carefully considered by the healthcare provider and the patient. Lifelong prednisone therapy and weekly platelet transfusions are not recommended as long-term treatments due to potential side effects and complications. Aspirin therapy may further increase the risk of bleeding in patients with low platelet counts and is generally not recommended.

A Patient with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura Continues to Experience Symptoms