Thrombocythemia increases the risk of which two major complications?

• A. Infection and organ failure
• B. Thrombosis or bleeding
• C. Hyperglycemia and dehydration
• D. Hypertension

Answer: (B)

Thrombocythemia raises risk because having too many platelets boosts clot formation, leading to thrombosis. At the same time, very high platelet counts can cause platelet dysfunction or acquired von Willebrand factor deficiency, which impairs normal hemostasis and leads to bleeding. So the two major complications are the formation of clots (thrombosis) and bleeding. This dual risk explains why patients can experience strokes or heart attacks from clots, as well as nosebleeds, gum bleeding, or easy bruising from bleeding tendencies. The other options don’t reflect the primary risks tied to a high platelet count.