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 C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Drinking an adequate amount of fluids is essential for patients with polycythemia to prevent blood clots and maintain blood flow.

This statement indicates a good understanding of self-care.

Choice B rationale:

Avoiding hot baths and showers is essential because heat can cause vasodilation and further increase blood flow, potentially exacerbating symptoms of polycythemia.

This statement also shows appropriate self-care knowledge.

Choice C rationale:

Smoking is a significant risk factor for polycythemia and other cardiovascular conditions.

Continuing to smoke, even with the intention to cut down, is not advisable and indicates a need for further education.

Smoking cessation is essential for managing polycythemia effectively.

Choice D rationale:

Monitoring vital signs regularly is crucial for patients with polycythemia to detect any changes in blood pressure, heart rate, or oxygen saturation.

This statement demonstrates an understanding of the importance of self-monitoring and is not a cause for further education.

A. "I've been feeling tired and weak lately.” B. "My skin has become very red and flushed.” C. "I've noticed frequent nosebleeds.” D. "I've been experiencing shortness of breath.”

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.

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

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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

(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 receiving treatment.Which statement by the nurse is accurate regarding the pathophysiology of this condition?

A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with polycythemia.Which clinical manifestations can the nurse expect to assess in this client? .

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

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

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