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

Reduce blood volume and viscosity.

Administer low-dose aspirin.

Correct dehydration and fluid loss.

Perform phlebotomy to reduce hematocrit.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

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.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Administer ruxolitinib to reduce spleen size.

Rationale: This option is not a priority in the care plan for a client with secondary polycythemia.

Secondary polycythemia is typically associated with an underlying condition, such as chronic hypoxia.

The primary focus should be on addressing the underlying cause and managing polycythemia-related complications.

Choice B rationale:

Monitor electrolyte levels and renal function.

Rationale: This is the correct priority in the care plan for a client with secondary polycythemia.

Secondary polycythemia can result from conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or renal disease, which may affect electrolyte balance and renal function.

Monitoring these parameters is essential to assess the patient's overall health and manage the underlying condition.

Choice C rationale:

Administer radioactive phosphorus.

Rationale: Administering radioactive phosphorus is not a standard treatment for secondary polycythemia.

Treatment for secondary polycythemia focuses on managing the underlying condition and its complications.

Choice D rationale:

Perform phlebotomy to reduce hematocrit.

Rationale: Phlebotomy may be considered in some cases of secondary polycythemia, but it is not the primary priority.

The primary focus should be on addressing the underlying cause, such as treating COPD or renal disease, to manage polycythemia effectively.

A. "You are at risk of bleeding due to decreased platelet production.” B. "The increased red blood cell mass reduces the risk of thrombosis.” C. "This condition does not affect white blood cell production.” D. "The increased blood viscosity can lead to organ damage and ischemia.”

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

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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 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 client diagnosed with polycythemia.Which clinical manifestations can the nurse expect to assess in 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?

(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.

A client with polycythemia is receiving treatment.Which statement by the nurse is accurate regarding the pathophysiology of this condition?

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

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

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?

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