What assessment finding indicates a possible thrombocytopenia in cancer patients?

Easy bruising or prolonged bleeding from minor cuts is a significant indication of thrombocytopenia, particularly in cancer patients. Thrombocytopenia, which refers to a decreased platelet count, can arise due to the malignancy itself, bone marrow involvement, or as a consequence of certain cancer treatments like chemotherapy or radiation.

Platelets are crucial for blood clotting, and when their levels are low, the body becomes less able to form clots in response to injuries. As a result, patients may notice that they bruise easily—often referred to as "spontaneous bruising"—or experience excessive bleeding from small cuts or abrasions. This can be distressing for patients and is an important symptom for nurses and healthcare providers to monitor, as it can lead to serious complications.

Other options, such as high blood pressure, an increased white blood cell count, or rapid weight loss, do not specifically correlate with thrombocytopenia. High blood pressure might indicate other issues, such as fluid overload or stress, while an increased white blood cell count typically suggests an infection or inflammation, not a decrease in platelet levels. Rapid weight loss could indicate a range of health issues but is not directly related to platelet count or bleeding tendencies. Thus, the