NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination) Practice Exam

What condition indicates a platelet transfusion is necessary?

1. Platelets < 10,000 or < 30,000 if active bleeding is present

2. Platelets < 20,000

3. Platelets < 5,000

4. Any platelet count less than normal

The correct answer is: Platelets < 10,000 or < 30,000 if active bleeding is present

A platelet transfusion is necessary when the platelet count is critically low, specifically < 10,000. Platelets help with blood clotting, so a low platelet count can increase the risk of excessive bleeding. Option B, platelets < 20,000, is incorrect as it is not a critically low number. Option C, platelets < 5,000, is incorrect as this is an extremely low number and would require immediate medical attention, not just a platelet transfusion. Option D, any platelet count less than normal, is incorrect as it does not specify a specific range and could include counts that may not necessarily require a transfusion. It is important to follow specific guidelines and medical recommendations for a platelet transfusion, rather than just based on any platelet count less than normal.