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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?

"I've been feeling tired and weak lately.”

"My skin has become very red and flushed.”

"I've noticed frequent nosebleeds.”

"I've been experiencing shortness of breath.”

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale:

Feeling tired and weak is a common symptom of polycythemia due to the increased viscosity of the blood.

However, this is a general symptom and not specific to polycythemia alone.

Many conditions can cause fatigue.

Choice B rationale:

Red and flushed skin is a characteristic sign of polycythemia.

Increased red blood cell count can lead to increased blood flow to the skin, resulting in a flushed appearance.

This is a specific symptom of polycythemia and should be assessed during the physical examination.

Choice C rationale:

Frequent nosebleeds can occur in polycythemia due to increased blood viscosity and pressure on blood vessels.

This is another specific symptom that should be assessed in a patient with suspected polycythemia.

Choice D rationale:

Shortness of breath can also be a symptom of polycythemia, especially when there is an excessive increase in red blood cells.

However, like fatigue, it is not specific to polycythemia and can be caused by various respiratory and cardiac conditions.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

While primary polycythemia can cause an increase in red blood cell mass, it does not typically lead to decreased platelet production.

Platelet production is not directly affected by primary polycythemia.

Choice B rationale:

Primary polycythemia does increase red blood cell mass, but it also increases the risk of thrombosis (clot formation) due to the increased viscosity of the blood.

This statement is inaccurate.

Choice C rationale:

Primary polycythemia can affect white blood cell production, leading to an increase in white blood cells (leukocytosis)

This statement is inaccurate as well.

Choice D rationale:

The increased red blood cell mass in primary polycythemia does lead to increased blood viscosity.

The thicker blood can impede blood flow, leading to organ damage and ischemia (lack of blood supply to tissues)

This is an accurate statement regarding the risks associated with primary polycythemia.

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 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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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?

Correct Answer is D

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

(Select all that apply):A nurse is educating a client with polycythemia about potential complications.Which complications should the nurse include in the teaching? Select all that apply.

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

A client with polycythemia reports several symptoms.Which statement made by the client is indicative of the condition?

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

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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.

A nurse is caring for a patient with polycythemia vera.Which statement by the patient indicates an understanding of the condition?

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

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?