NCLEX Exam Practice Question of the Week - 8/8/12

Elsevier NCLEX Exam Review

Question: Which of the following are characteristics of von Willebrand's disease? Select all that apply.


1.  Easy bruising occurs.
2.  Gum bleeding occurs.
3.  It is a hereditary bleeding disorder.
4.  It is characterized by extremely high creatinine levels.
5.  The disorder causes platelets to adhere to damaged endothelium.
6.  Treatment and care are similar to that for hemophilia.

Answer: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 

Rationale: von Willebrand's disease is a hereditary bleeding disorder characterized by a deficiency of or a defect in a protein termed von Willebrand factor. The disorder causes platelets to adhere to damaged endothelium. It is characterized by an increased tendency to bleed from mucous membranes. Assessment findings include epistaxis, gum bleeding, easy bruising, and excessive menstrual bleeding. An elevated creatinine level is not associated with this disorder.

Test-Taking Strategy: Focus on the child's diagnosis. Recalling that this disorder is characterized by an increased tendency to bleed from mucous membranes will direct you to select the correct options. Review the manifestations associated with von Willebrand's disease if you had difficulty with this question.
Level of Cognitive Ability: Analyzing
Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
Integrated Process: Nursing Process—Assessment
Content Area: Child Health—Hematological/Oncological
References: Hockenberry, M., & Wilson, D. (2009). Wong's essentials of pediatric nursing (8th ed., pp. 925–926). St. Louis: Mosby.
McKinney, E., James, S., Murray, S., & Ashwill, J. (2009). Maternal-child nursing (3rd ed., p. 1295). St. Louis: Saunders.

This week’s NCLEX exam practice question came from:

Silvestri: Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN Examination, 5th Edition, Chapter 45, Page 523, Question463

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