The patient has a platelet count of 34,000/mm³. Which action should the nurse take first?

Choice A reason: Measuring abdominal girth may help monitor for internal bleeding or ascites, but it is not the first priority. It is a long-term monitoring tool rather than an immediate safety assessment. Choice B reason: Administering an enema in a thrombocytopenic patient can cause mucosal trauma and bleeding. It is contraindicated unless absolutely necessary and should not be a first-line action. Choice C reason: Assessing for visible bruising is the most immediate and non-invasive way to detect bleeding tendencies in a patient with thrombocytopenia. It helps identify spontaneous bleeding, which can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly. Choice D reason: Checking for WBCs in the urine may help identify infection but is unrelated to the bleeding risk posed by low platelet counts. It is not a priority in this context.