v4n1 - Tips to Prevent Bleeding

Healthcare professionals recommend anyone with a low platelet count exercise caution to prevent injury and to not take any medications that could limit the existing platelet’s clotting ability. Even when platelet counts are low, patients typically can function normally, while giving careful thought to proceeding with any activity that could lead to injury.

There are a number of precautions patients with thrombocytopenia can take to prevent bleeding.

• Aspirin and many other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen interfere with platelet function. Therefore, most experts recommend patients not take any medications containing these agents.
• Avoid contact sports, pick up throw rugs and clear pathways in the home to prevent falls.
• Do not lift anything heavy to decrease the chance of a blood vessel breaking.
• Avoid suppositories, taking rectal temperatures and using tampons during menstruation. And in the hospital, nurses will not give intramuscular injections to patients with very low platelet counts.
• Do not strain when moving your bowels.
• Consider switching from a traditional razor to an electric shaver.
• Avoid activities that involve the use of knives or scissors.
• Use a soft toothbrush and do not floss