Which of the following symptoms might indicate maternal thrombocytopenia in an infant?

Prolonged bleeding from heel sticks in an infant is an important indicator of maternal thrombocytopenia because it highlights a potential deficiency in the infant’s clotting ability. Maternal thrombocytopenia, characterized by low platelet counts in the mother, can lead to a similar condition in the infant, impacting the infant's hemostatic function. When platelets are insufficient, bleeding can occur more readily and may be observed during routine procedures, such as heel sticks for blood sampling.

In this context, monitoring bleeding tendencies in neonates whose mothers have known thrombocytopenia is crucial, as it suggests that the infant may have inherited this hematologic abnormality, leading to increased risk for bleeding complications. Therefore, the presence of prolonged bleeding from heel sticks warrants further evaluation and management to ensure the infant's safety and address any underlying issues related to thrombocytopenia.