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Kankana Kar: Low Platelets Doesn’t Mean Bleeding, Sometimes it Means Clots
Kankana Kar/LinkedIn
Jun 18, 2026, 08:19

Kankana Kar: Low Platelets Doesn’t Mean Bleeding, Sometimes it Means Clots

Kankana Kar, Associate Professor at GitaRam Institute of Nursing, shared a post on LinkedIn:

“Issue No 06

Low platelets doesn’t mean bleeding. Sometimes it means Clots.

A post-op patient on Heparin develops a sudden platelet drop from 300,000 to 120,000/mm³.

Most clinicians think:

Bleeding Risk

But the real danger is often far worse:

Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT) Type II

In HIT, platelets are not disappearing – they are being consumed to form dangerous clots that can cause:

  • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
  • Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
  • Stroke
  • Acute Limb Ischemia
  • Amputation

NCLEX Pearl: A platelet count can still be ‘normal’ and yet indicate HIT if it has fallen by ≥50% from baseline.

  • Stop ALL forms of Heparin immediately
  • Monitor for signs of thrombosis, not just bleeding
  • Anticipate alternative anticoagulation (e.g., Argatroban)
  • No LMWH (Enoxaparin)
  • No routine platelet transfusions
  • No early Warfarin

Remember:

HIT is the same as Clotting Crisis with a Low Platelet Count

Save this post for your NCLEX review and share it with a fellow nurse preparing for boards or critical care practice.”

Kankana Kar

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