Which condition is characterized by a decreased platelet count?

Which condition is characterized by a decreased platelet count?

• A. Aspirin
• B. Haemophilia
• C. Thrombocytopenia
• D. Von Willebrand disease

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that a decreased platelet count defines thrombocytopenia, a condition where the number of platelets in the blood is below normal. Platelets are key players in forming the initial blood clot, so when their numbers are low, bleeding risk increases, often presenting with easy bruising or small red or purple spots on the skin (petechiae). A normal platelet count is roughly 150,000 to 450,000 per microliter; falling below this range is diagnosed as thrombocytopenia. The other possibilities don’t describe a reduced platelet count: aspirin can impair platelet function without lowering their number, while haemophilia and von Willebrand disease involve problems with clotting factors or platelet adhesion rather than a decreased platelet count.

The main idea is that a decreased platelet count defines thrombocytopenia, a condition where the number of platelets in the blood is below normal. Platelets are key players in forming the initial blood clot, so when their numbers are low, bleeding risk increases, often presenting with easy bruising or small red or purple spots on the skin (petechiae). A normal platelet count is roughly 150,000 to 450,000 per microliter; falling below this range is diagnosed as thrombocytopenia. The other possibilities don’t describe a reduced platelet count: aspirin can impair platelet function without lowering their number, while haemophilia and von Willebrand disease involve problems with clotting factors or platelet adhesion rather than a decreased platelet count.