Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

What condition is indicated by a very low platelet count?

1. Thrombocytopenia

2. Leukopenia

3. Anemia

4. Polycythemia

The correct answer is: Thrombocytopenia

A very low platelet count indicates thrombocytopenia, which is a condition characterized by an abnormally low level of platelets in the blood. Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are essential for normal blood clotting; they help stop bleeding by clumping and forming plugs in blood vessel injuries. When the platelet count falls below the normal range, which is typically between 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood, the risk of excessive bleeding increases, even with minor injuries. Thrombocytopenia can result from various factors including bone marrow disorders, increased destruction of platelets due to autoimmune diseases, certain medications, or conditions like liver disease or hypersplenism. Understanding this condition’s implications and causes is crucial for effective diagnosis and management. In contrast, the other conditions mentioned do not relate specifically to platelets. Leukopenia refers to a decrease in white blood cells, anemia is characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin, and polycythemia involves an increase in red blood cell mass. Thus, the designation of very low platelet count is specifically indicative of thrombocytopenia.