A patient’s CBC shows WBC 6.5 × 10^3/µL, Hgb 13.4 g/dL, Hct 40%, Platelets 50 × 10^3/µL. What is the primary concern?

• A. Neutropenia
• B. Infection
• C. Risk for bleeding
• D. Fall risk due to anemia

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that platelets drive the clotting process. They form the platelet plug that stops bleeding, so the number of platelets directly affects bleeding risk. Normal platelets range roughly from 150 to 450 thousand per microliter; this patient’s platelets are 50 thousand, which is thrombocytopenia. With platelets this low, there’s a significant risk of excessive bleeding even with minor injuries, plus possible mucosal bleeding (gum, nose, GI). That’s why the primary concern is bleeding risk.

The other values don’t point to infection or anemia here: the WBC is within the normal range, so neutropenia and infection risk aren’t the primary issue. The hemoglobin and hematocrit are also normal, so anemia isn’t a concern in this scenario.