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:
A renal ultrasound is not commonly used to rule out secondary polycythemia.
Polycythemia is primarily related to an increase in red blood cell production, and renal ultrasound is used to assess kidney function and anatomy, which is not directly related to the cause of polycythemia.
Choice B rationale:
A bone marrow biopsy is commonly used to rule out secondary polycythemia.
Polycythemia can be primary (due to a problem within the bone marrow itself) or secondary (due to external factors like hypoxia or tumors)
A bone marrow biopsy can help differentiate between primary and secondary causes by examining the bone marrow's production of red blood cells.
Choice C rationale:
A chest x-ray may be ordered to evaluate the lungs and chest, but it is not the primary diagnostic test used to rule out secondary polycythemia.
It may help identify lung conditions that contribute to hypoxia, which can lead to secondary polycythemia, but it does not directly assess the bone marrow or red blood cell production.
Choice D rationale:
Thyroid function tests are not typically used to rule out secondary polycythemia.
Thyroid function tests assess the thyroid gland's hormone production and are unrelated to the primary causes of polycythemia.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Frequent headaches can be a symptom of polycythemia due to increased blood viscosity, but it is not as specific as the reddish skin color (plethora) seen in polycythemia.
This statement is relevant but less specific.
Choice B rationale:
Dizziness and lightheadedness can occur in polycythemia, especially when there is impaired blood flow due to increased viscosity.
However, these symptoms are not as specific as the reddish skin color (plethora) seen in polycythemia.
This statement is relevant but less specific.
Choice C rationale:
A common clinical manifestation of polycythemia is the development of reddish or purplish skin (plethora) due to the increased red blood cell mass.
This statement is accurate and specific to the condition.
Choice D rationale:
Increased urination is not typically associated with polycythemia.
This statement is not directly related to the condition and is less relevant.
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