Understanding Essential Thrombocythemia

What is the primary characteristic of essential thrombocythemia?

• Deficiency in red blood cells

• Low platelet count

• Excessive white blood cells

• Excessive platelets in the blood

What is the role of megakaryocytes in platelet production?

• They destroy old platelets

• They produce white blood cells

• They mature into red blood cells

• They break into pieces to form platelets

What defect is associated with essential thrombocythemia?

• Deficiency in vitamin K

• JAK 2 kinase mutation

• Excessive iron in the blood

• Lack of hemoglobin

Which symptom is NOT typically associated with essential thrombocythemia?

• Headache

• Numbness in extremities

• Excessive sweating

• Nosebleeds

What is a key diagnostic indicator for essential thrombocythemia?

• Presence of JAK 2 kinase mutation

• Low platelet count

• Low hemoglobin levels

• High white blood cell count

What is the significance of a platelet count greater than 450,000 for two or more months?

• It indicates anemia

• It shows a risk of infection

• It suggests essential thrombocythemia

• It confirms a vitamin deficiency

What is the first-line treatment for low-risk essential thrombocythemia patients?

• Surgery

• Radiation therapy

• Aspirin

• Chemotherapy

Which drug is used to decrease the production of megakaryoblasts in high-risk patients?

• Aspirin

• Paracetamol

• Hydroxyurea

• Ibuprofen

What procedure is similar to dialysis and used in emergencies for essential thrombocythemia?

• Platelet phoresis

• Blood transfusion

• Bone marrow transplant

• Chemotherapy

What is the purpose of platelet phoresis in the treatment of essential thrombocythemia?

• To reduce white blood cell count

• To filter excess platelets from the blood

• To boost immune response

• To increase red blood cell count