Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

When assessing a patient with von Willebrand disease, what should a healthcare provider be especially vigilant for?

1. Signs of dehydration

2. Any evidence of bleeding

3. Signs of infection

4. Fever and chills

The correct answer is: Any evidence of bleeding

Patients with von Willebrand disease have a deficiency or dysfunction of von Willebrand factor, which is critical for platelet adhesion and plays a significant role in the blood coagulation process. As a result, individuals with this condition can experience abnormal bleeding tendencies. Therefore, healthcare providers must be especially vigilant for any evidence of bleeding, which can manifest as spontaneous bruising, prolonged bleeding after cuts or dental procedures, and excessive bleeding during menstruation in females. Recognizing these signs promptly is crucial for managing the patient's condition and preventing complications related to excessive blood loss. The other conditions are important to monitor in patients but are not directly related to the primary concern of von Willebrand disease. Dehydration, infections, and symptoms like fever and chills may be critical to assess in other contexts or conditions but do not specifically represent the immediate dangers associated with the bleeding disorders that affect patients with von Willebrand disease.