What manifests as purple spots on the skin that do not blanch when pressed?

Study for the Vituity Medical Scribe Pre-Classroom Training Exam. Enhance your medical scribing skills with flashcards and multiple choice questions that include hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your exam!

Purpura refers to purple spots or patches that appear on the skin due to bleeding underneath the skin. These spots do not blanch or turn white when pressed, which means that the blood has leaked out of the vessels and is pooled in the tissue. This can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions, including thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), various vascular disorders, or even specific infections that affect blood vessels.

The identification of purpura is clinically significant because it can indicate a range of medical issues that may require further investigation. In contrast, petechiae, while also purple spots, are typically smaller and can blanch when pressure is applied, distinguishing them from purpura. Other options, such as subconjunctival hemorrhage, refer to bleeding on the surface of the eye and would not manifest as skin spots. Fundi sharp does not relate to skin manifestations at all, making purpura the most accurate choice for the described symptoms.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy