A client is diagnosed with secondary polycythemia.
Which underlying medical conditions could be contributing to this diagnosis? Select the most likely cause.
Hyperthyroidism.
Renal cysts.
Smoking.
Obesity.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Hyperthyroidism can lead to an increase in red blood cell production, known as secondary polycythemia.
However, it is not the most likely cause in this scenario.
The primary cause of secondary polycythemia is usually related to hypoxia or conditions that increase erythropoietin production.
Choice B rationale:
Renal cysts can lead to polycythemia due to increased erythropoietin production by the kidneys.
When the kidneys detect low oxygen levels in the blood (hypoxia), they release erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow.
Renal cysts can disrupt the normal function of the kidneys and trigger excessive erythropoietin release, causing secondary polycythemia.
Choice C rationale:
Smoking can lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which can cause secondary polycythemia due to chronic hypoxia.
However, renal cysts are a more direct cause in this scenario.
Choice D rationale:
Obesity can lead to sleep apnea, which can cause secondary polycythemia due to chronic hypoxia during sleep.
However, renal cysts are a more likely cause of secondary polycythemia than obesity alone.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Fatigue is a common clinical manifestation of polycythemia because the increased number of red blood cells can make the blood thicker, leading to reduced blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues, resulting in fatigue.
Choice B rationale:
Thrombosis is a complication of polycythemia vera.
The increased number of blood cells can lead to increased viscosity, making the blood more prone to clot formation.
Choice C rationale:
Bradycardia is not typically associated with polycythemia.
In fact, individuals with polycythemia may have an increased heart rate (tachycardia) due to the increased workload on the heart caused by the thicker blood.
Choice D rationale:
Hypoxia can occur in polycythemia due to the decreased ability of thickened blood to carry oxygen, but it is not a direct clinical manifestation of the condition.
Choice E rationale:
Hypotension is not commonly associated with polycythemia.
In fact, hypertension (high blood pressure) is more commonly seen as a result of increased blood viscosity and resistance to blood flow.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Elevated serum EPO levels.
Rationale: Primary polycythemia, also known as polycythemia vera, is characterized by the overproduction of red blood cells independent of normal regulatory mechanisms.
In response to the increased red blood cell count, the body typically tries to compensate by decreasing the production of erythropoietin (EPO), a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production.
Therefore, elevated serum EPO levels are often seen in primary polycythemia as the body tries to regulate the overproduction of red blood cells.
Choice B rationale:
Decreased platelet count.
Rationale: Platelet count is typically not decreased in primary polycythemia.
In fact, it may be increased due to the overall increase in blood cell production.
Choice C rationale:
Normal hemoglobin levels.
Rationale: Hemoglobin levels are typically elevated in primary polycythemia due to the increase in red blood cell mass.
Choice D rationale:
Low red blood cell count.
Rationale: In primary polycythemia, the hallmark is an elevated red blood cell count, not a low count.
The condition is characterized by the overproduction of red blood cells.
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