Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse (CPHON) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Petechiae is indeed a hallmark sign of bleeding tendency in aplastic anemia. Aplastic anemia is a condition characterized by the bone marrow's inability to produce adequate blood cells, including platelets, which are essential for normal clotting. When platelet levels are low, small blood vessels can bleed into the skin, resulting in tiny, pinpoint, red or purple spots known as petechiae. These spots often appear in clusters and are a direct indication of a bleeding or clotting problem.

In contrast, erythema refers to redness of the skin caused by increased blood flow, which is not a direct indicator of bleeding tendencies. Jaundice, characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes, generally relates to liver dysfunction and hemolysis rather than bleeding issues. Cyanosis, on the other hand, indicates a lack of oxygen in the blood and is not associated with the bleeding problems that occur in aplastic anemia. Thus, petechiae stands out as a specific and significant sign of the bleeding tendencies associated with this condition.