A nurse should be aware that joint bleeding in infants might suggest which diagnosis?

Joint bleeding in infants is an important clinical finding that raises concern for certain bleeding disorders, particularly hemophilia. Hemophilia is a genetic condition characterized by a deficiency in clotting factors, which can result in prolonged bleeding and spontaneous hemorrhages, especially into joints (a condition known as hemarthrosis).

In infants with hemophilia, joint bleeding may present as swelling, warmth, or limited range of motion in the affected joints. Early recognition is critical in managing hemophilia effectively, as untreated joint bleeding can lead to chronic joint damage and disability.

Glanzmann thrombasthenia, while also a bleeding disorder, typically presents with mucocutaneous bleeding rather than joint bleeding. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is less common in infants and is usually not associated with joint bleeding. Pernicious anemia primarily affects adults and is related to a deficiency of vitamin B12; it does not typically cause joint bleeding.

Therefore, the association of joint bleeding with hemophilia makes this diagnosis the most relevant and critical in an infant presenting with such symptoms.