Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Test 2025 - Free CEN Practice Questions and Study Guide

Bruising is a common symptom that may occur with thrombocytopenia, particularly following minor trauma. Thrombocytopenia, which is a condition characterized by a low platelet count, can lead to increased bleeding tendencies. When the skin or underlying blood vessels are injured, even slightly, the lack of sufficient platelets makes it harder for the body to form clots, resulting in the appearance of bruises.

Patients with thrombocytopenia may notice this bruising occurring more readily after minimal or no apparent trauma, as their blood's capacity to stop bleeding is compromised. This symptom is particularly notable because the bruising can appear larger or more pronounced than what one might expect given the slight trauma—this signifies that the body's normal response to injury is impaired.

Other symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, or joint pain do not directly correlate with the situation of experiencing minor trauma in the context of thrombocytopenia. Fatigue can be present in various medical conditions but isn't specifically linked to minor trauma in this scenario. Weight gain is unrelated to thrombocytopenia and tends to connect more to metabolic or dietary issues. Joint pain, while it may be a standalone symptom or associated with other underlying conditions, does not typically arise specifically from minor trauma related to low