Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

A 10-year-old boy is hospitalized with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), currently referred to as immune thrombocytopenic purpura. He had recently recovered from the mumps and has developed a fever, thrombocytopenia, and is confused as to time and place. His symptoms include ecchymosis of his arms and legs. He is undergoing plasmapheresis on a daily basis and his father questions the nurse: “If his blood is the problem, why do they give most of it back to him? I don’t understand why they can’t give him more platelets.” What is the nurse’s best response?