Immune Thrombocytopenia

 The nurse is caring for a 30-year-old HIV positive type 1 diabetic male who was admitted into the hospital today for a 4-day history of excessive bruising, frequent nose bleeds, and bleeding gums. His platelet count is 30,000/µL. His admitting diagnosis is immune thrombocytopenia. He is awake and alert and denies any pain or discomfort. Vital signs are temperature 97.2, pulse 96 bpm, respirations 16 per minute, and blood pressure 118/60 mm Hg. He has several areas of purpura on his back and arms. He states his last nosebleed was last night, which lasted 2 hours. He states that even though he uses a soft toothbrush his gums bleed excessively each time he brushes his teeth.