Blood Platelet Count |
| Platelets are the blood cells that help stop bleeding by
helping your blood to clot. If your blood does not have enough platelets,
you may bleed or bruise more easily than usual, even from a minor injury.
Chemotherapy drugs can affect your bone marrow's ability to make platelets
causing a condition called thrombocytopenia. If your platelet levels fall
too low, you may need a platelet transfusion. |
| |
| A normal platelet count is about 150,000 - 450,000 /cumm.
Normal clotting is still possible with a platelet count of 100,000/cumm.
Dangerous bleeding may occur when the platelet count goes below 20,000/cumm. |
| |
| What to look out for - |
 |
Unexpected bruising |
| |
Small red spots under the skin |
| |
Red or pink urine |
| |
Dark or bloody bowel movements |
| |
Bleeding from your gums or nose |
| |
Severe headaches |
| |
Dizziness |
| |
An increase in weakness |
| |
Pain in joints and muscles |
|
| |
| What must the patient be careful off with a low platelet
count - |
| |
Don't take any medicine without first checking with
your doctor or nurse. This includes aspirin and aspirin-free pain
relievers, like Tylenol®, ibuprofen, and any other medicines you
can buy without a prescription. Some of these medicines can weaken
the platelets and make bleeding problems worse. |
| |
Don't drink any alcohol (beer, wine, or liquor) unless
your doctor says it's all right. |
| |
Use an extra soft toothbrush to clean your teeth and
talk to your doctor before using dental floss. |
| |
If you have a runny nose, blow gently into a soft
tissue. |
| |
Take care not to cut or nick yourself when using scissors,
needles, knives, or tools. |
| |
Avoid contact sports and other activities that might
cause an injury. |
| |
Avoid becoming constipated. |
| |
Use an electric shaver instead of a razor. |
| |
When bending over, keep your head above your heart. |
|
| |
| Call the doctor immediately if the patient: |
| |
Has bleeding |
| |
Has trouble speaking or moving |
|
| |
| Register Now to start using this Nutrition Tool OR Go to My Dashboard |
| |
|
|
| |