Which of the following is a bleeding disorder?

RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2022

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2022

Explanation

Haemophilia is a classic example of a hereditary bleeding disorder.
It is caused by a deficiency of specific coagulation proteins known as clotting factors, most commonly Factor VIII (Haemophilia A) or Factor IX (Haemophilia B).
This deficiency impairs the body's ability to form a stable blood clot, leading to prolonged bleeding after injury, or spontaneous bleeding into joints and muscles.

Option A: Leukemia is a cancer of the blood-forming tissues, characterized by the overproduction of abnormal white blood cells. While bleeding can be a symptom due to the cancer crowding out platelet-producing cells in the bone marrow, its primary definition is a malignancy, not a coagulation disorder.
Option B: Anemia is a condition defined by a deficiency in the number or quality of red blood cells or hemoglobin. Its main consequence is reduced oxygen-carrying capacity, leading to fatigue and pallor, not a defect in blood clotting.
Option D: Leucopenia is a condition characterized by a low white blood cell count. The primary role of white blood cells is to fight infection, so a deficiency leads to an increased risk of infections, not a bleeding tendency.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Classification of Hematological Disorders as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses caring for patients with haemophilia must prioritize safety and injury prevention to avoid bleeds. This includes patient education on avoiding contact sports and using protective gear.
A key nursing assessment for a haemophilia patient is monitoring for signs of internal bleeding, especially into joints (hemarthrosis), which can cause severe pain, swelling, and long-term joint damage.
Administering intravenous clotting factor concentrates is a critical nursing intervention during a bleed or as a prophylactic measure. The nurse must be proficient in IV access and administration.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept of the question, which is 'bleeding disorder'. This refers to a condition where the blood's ability to clot is impaired.
Next, systematically evaluate each option based on its primary definition.
Consider 'Leukemia'. This is a cancer of white blood cells. While it can cause bleeding, it's a secondary effect. Eliminate it as the best answer.
Consider 'Anemia'. This relates to red blood cells and oxygen transport, not clotting. Eliminate it.
Consider 'Haemophilia'. This is a well-known genetic disorder defined by a lack of clotting factors, directly matching the concept of a bleeding disorder. This is a strong candidate.
Consider 'Leucopenia'. This relates to a low count of white blood cells, affecting immunity, not clotting. Eliminate it.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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