A Patient Has a Platelet Count of 1200 *10⁹/L

question 20

Multiple Choice

A patient has a platelet count of 1200 *10⁹/L. Many platelets are giant and have abnormal shapes. A mild anemia is present. The bone marrow has increased megakaryocytes in clusters; iron stores are present. Which of the following is most likely?

• A) Essential thrombocythemia
• B) Chronic myelogenous leukemia
• C) Thrombocytosis secondary to blood loss
• D) Polycythemia vera

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Definitions:

Capillary Bed

A network of small blood vessels known as capillaries, which facilitate the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste materials between the blood and tissues.

Vena Cava

A large vein carrying deoxygenated blood into the heart, consisting of two main branches, the superior and inferior vena cava.

Arteriole Branch

A small branch of an artery leading into capillaries, responsible for regulating blood flow from arteries to capillaries.

Infarction

The blockage of blood flow to a specific organ or area of tissue, leading to the local demise of that tissue.