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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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Reduce blood volume and viscosity.

Rationale: The primary goal of treatment for a patient with primary polycythemia is to reduce blood volume and viscosity.

This helps prevent complications such as thrombosis, which can occur due to increased blood thickness.

Phlebotomy is commonly used to achieve this goal by removing excess red blood cells.

Choice B rationale:

Administer low-dose aspirin.

Rationale: Administering low-dose aspirin may be a part of the treatment plan to reduce the risk of blood clots, but it is not the primary goal.

The primary goal is to decrease blood volume and viscosity.

Choice C rationale:

Correct dehydration and fluid loss.

Rationale: Correcting dehydration and fluid loss is important but not the primary goal of treatment for primary polycythemia.

The primary goal is to address the increased red blood cell production and thickened blood.

Choice D rationale:

Perform phlebotomy to reduce hematocrit.

Rationale: This is a correct statement and aligns with the primary goal of treatment for primary polycythemia.

Phlebotomy is a key intervention to reduce hematocrit levels and, consequently, blood volume and viscosity.

A. Elevated serum EPO levels. B. Decreased platelet count. C. Normal hemoglobin levels. D. Low red blood cell count.

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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A client is diagnosed with secondary polycythemia.Which underlying medical conditions could be contributing to this diagnosis? Select the most likely cause.

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a patient with primary polycythemia.What is the primary goal of treatment for this patient?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is reviewing the diagnostic evaluation of a client suspected to have polycythemia.What laboratory findings would the nurse expect to find in a client with primary polycythemia?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client has been diagnosed with secondary polycythemia. What should the nurse prioritize in the care plan for this client?

A client diagnosed with polycythemia is receiving education on self-care.Which statement by the client indicates a need for further education?

A nurse is assessing a patient with suspected polycythemia.Which of the following signs and symptoms should the nurse specifically assess for during the physical examination?

(Select all that apply): A nurse is providing care for a patient with polycythemia.Which nursing interventions are appropriate for this patient? (Select three.)

(Select all that apply):A nurse is assessing a patient with polycythemia.Which clinical manifestations are commonly associated with this condition? Select all that apply.

A client with polycythemia is undergoing additional tests to rule out secondary causes. Which diagnostic test is commonly used to rule out secondary polycythemia?

A nurse is educating a patient with primary polycythemia on potential complications. Which statement by the nurse is accurate regarding the risks associated with this condition?

A client is diagnosed with secondary polycythemia.Which underlying medical conditions could be contributing to this diagnosis? Select the most likely cause.

A client is diagnosed with secondary polycythemia.
Which underlying medical conditions could be contributing to this diagnosis? Select the most likely cause.