(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.
Headache.
Fatigue.
Epistaxis.
Increased blood pressure.
Gout.
Correct Answer : A,C,D,E
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
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.
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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