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?

Elevated serum EPO levels.

Decreased platelet count.

Normal hemoglobin levels.

Low red blood cell count.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

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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Correct Answer is ["A","B"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Fatigue is a common clinical manifestation of polycythemia because the increased number of red blood cells can make the blood thicker, leading to reduced blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues, resulting in fatigue.

Choice B rationale:

Thrombosis is a complication of polycythemia vera.

The increased number of blood cells can lead to increased viscosity, making the blood more prone to clot formation.

Choice C rationale:

Bradycardia is not typically associated with polycythemia.

In fact, individuals with polycythemia may have an increased heart rate (tachycardia) due to the increased workload on the heart caused by the thicker blood.

Choice D rationale:

Hypoxia can occur in polycythemia due to the decreased ability of thickened blood to carry oxygen, but it is not a direct clinical manifestation of the condition.

Choice E rationale:

Hypotension is not commonly associated with polycythemia.

In fact, hypertension (high blood pressure) is more commonly seen as a result of increased blood viscosity and resistance to blood flow.

A. Headache. B. Fatigue. C. Epistaxis. D. Increased blood pressure. E. Gout.

Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Headache.

Rationale: Headaches are a common symptom of polycythemia due to the increased blood volume and viscosity, which can lead to impaired blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain.

Choice B rationale:

Fatigue.

Rationale: Fatigue is also a common symptom of polycythemia due to the increased workload on the heart and decreased oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.

Choice C rationale:

Epistaxis.

Rationale: Epistaxis, or nosebleeds, can occur in individuals with polycythemia because of the increased pressure on blood vessels and the fragility of the nasal mucosa caused by elevated red blood cell counts.

Choice D rationale:

Increased blood pressure.

Rationale: Elevated blood pressure can result from polycythemia due to the increased volume of blood in circulation, which can strain the cardiovascular system.

Choice E rationale:

Gout.

Rationale: Gout is a potential complication of polycythemia because the increased production of red blood cells can lead to elevated levels of uric acid, a risk factor for gout.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

(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.

Correct Answer is ["A","B"]

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.

Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]

Explanation

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

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

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

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?

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?

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?

(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 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?