What it means
Pinpoint spots, smaller than 2 mm, that come from bleeding from tiny blood vessels (capillaryKAP-ih-lair-eeOne of the tiniest blood vessels, joining the smallest arteries to the smallest veins.Full entry ). Unlike a rash, they do not fade when pressed. They are seen with low platelets (thrombocytopeniathrom-boh-sy-toh-PEE-nee-uhA blood platelet count below normal, under 150,000/mm3.thromb/o clotcyt/o cell-penia lack, too fewFull entry ), clotting problems, some infections such as meningococcal disease, and after hard coughing or vomiting on the face. Larger patches of the same kind are purpura and bruises (ecchymoses).
For the nurse
Press on the spots: petechiae do not blanch. Report new petechiae, especially with fever or in a client on anticoagulants or chemotherapy, and use bleeding precautions as ordered.
At a glance
| Spanish | petequias |
|---|---|
| Also written | petechia, petechial |
Related terms
platelet
A tiny cell fragment in the blood that sticks together at a wound to help form a clot.
capillary
One of the tiniest blood vessels, joining the smallest arteries to the smallest veins.
thrombocytopenia
A blood platelet count below normal, under 150,000/mm3.
clotting
The process by which blood thickens into a gel to plug a damaged vessel and stop bleeding; also called coagulation.