Clinical Diagnosis · Integumentary System · Medium

Purpura

Meaning: Purple skin discolouration from bleeding into the skin that does not fade when pressed.

In practice: A non-blanching rash with fever suggests meningococcal septicaemia and needs emergency care.

Quick check

Two questions on related clinical diagnosis words.

Which word means: Oral anticoagulant that blocks vitamin K-dependent clotting factors.

Which word means: The death of body tissue due to injury, disease or lack of blood supply.

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