Medical Emergencies · single question
A patient has an INR of 3.5 and a platelet count of 30,000/µL. What are the primary hemostatic concerns?
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Correct answer: A. Both elevated INR (coagulation defect) and thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) are present
This patient has TWO hemostatic concerns: (1) INR of 3.5 — Normal INR is approximately 0.8-1.2. A therapeutic INR for warfarin therapy is 2-3. An INR of 3.5 indicates significant anticoagulation (supratherapeutic) and elevated bleeding risk. (2) Platelet count of 30,000/µL — Normal platelet count is 150,000-400,000/µL. Thrombocytopenia is defined as < 150,000/µL; a count of 30,000/µL is severe thrombocytopenia, associated with high risk of spontaneous bleeding. For dental procedures, a platelet count > 50,000/µL is generally required; surgery with a count < 50,000/µL requires hematology consultation and possible platelet transfusion.
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