Hematologic Toxicities Clinical Resource Area - Thrombocytopenia

Thrombocytopenia is a common side effect of cancer treatment that occurs when the body's number of platelets is inadequate. Platelets are cells in the blood that help blood to clot. When platelets are low, patients are at risk for bruising, bleeding, and hemorrhage. Thrombocytopenia also can be associated with cancers of the blood and with disorders that cause bone marrow dysfunction.

The role of the nurse is critical in managing patients with thrombocytopenia. Nurses must observe these patients frequently for any signs and symptoms of bleeding and monitor patients' blood counts closely. Thrombocytopenia is treated with a transfusion of platelets.

The resources in this section will help you to learn more about treatment-related thrombocytopenia.