A client with polycythemia is undergoing additional tests to rule out secondary causes.
Which diagnostic test is commonly used to rule out secondary polycythemia?
Renal ultrasound.
Bone marrow biopsy.
Chest x-ray.
Thyroid function tests.
The Correct Answer is B
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
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.
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.
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