A nurse is caring for a patient with polycythemia vera.
Which statement by the patient indicates an understanding of the condition?
"I have this condition because of dehydration.”
"Polycythemia vera is caused by chronic pulmonary disease.”
"My JAK2 gene mutation is responsible for my condition.”
"I developed secondary polycythemia due to smoking.”
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Dehydration does not cause polycythemia vera.
Polycythemia vera is a disorder of the bone marrow characterized by an overproduction of red blood cells.
Choice B rationale:
Chronic pulmonary disease is not a cause of polycythemia vera.
Polycythemia vera is typically due to a mutation in the JAK2 gene.
Choice C rationale:
This is the correct answer.
Polycythemia vera is often caused by a mutation in the JAK2 gene, which leads to an abnormal increase in red blood cell production.
Choice D rationale:
Smoking can lead to secondary polycythemia, but it is not the cause of polycythemia vera, which is a primary disorder of the bone marrow.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
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.
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.
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