A client has been diagnosed with secondary polycythemia.
What should the nurse prioritize in the care plan for this client?
Administer ruxolitinib to reduce spleen size.
Monitor electrolyte levels and renal function.
Administer radioactive phosphorus.
Perform phlebotomy to reduce hematocrit.
The Correct Answer is B
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
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.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
This statement is incorrect.
Polycythemia vera is a primary disorder where red blood cell production is not regulated properly, leading to an excess of red blood cells.
In primary polycythemia, there is an increase in erythropoietin (EPO) production, not a decrease.
Choice B rationale:
This is the correct answer.
In primary polycythemia (polycythemia vera), the overproduction of red blood cells is stimulated by increased levels of erythropoietin (EPO)
Choice C rationale:
Secondary polycythemia can be caused by a mutation in the JAK2 gene, but this is not the pathophysiology of primary polycythemia (polycythemia vera)
Choice D rationale:
Erythropoietin (EPO) actually stimulates the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells, not fewer.
Therefore, this statement is incorrect.
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