Question

a patient presents with complaints of easy bruising and small red spots on their skin. a complete blood count (cbc) is most likely to reveal which of the following?
a. thrombocytopenia (a low platelet count)
b. erythrocytosis (high red blood cell count)
c. leukocytosis (high white blood cell count)
d. hemoglobinopathy (a structural defect in the hemoglobin)

Explanation:

Platelets are crucial for blood clotting. When platelet count (thrombocytes) is low (thrombocytopenia), it leads to easy bruising and petechiae (small red spots on the skin). Erythrocytosis (high red - blood cell count) is related to conditions like polycythemia vera and is not associated with these symptoms. Leukocytosis (high white - blood cell count) is more indicative of infection or inflammation. Hemoglobinopathy (structural defect in hemoglobin) causes issues like anemia (in cases like sickle - cell anemia) but not the symptoms of easy bruising and petechiae described here.

Answer:

A. Thrombocytopenia (a low platelet count)