The characteristic vascular changes at the site of an injury produce: (Select all that apply)

Choice A reason: Extending red blood cell lifespan is not a goal in polycythemia vera, where excessive red cell production increases blood viscosity. Treatment aims to reduce cell mass, not prolong cell life, as this would worsen hyperviscosity, making this an incorrect goal.

Choice B reason: Reducing the mean size of red blood cells is irrelevant, as polycythemia vera involves increased red cell count, not size. Treatment focuses on lowering hematocrit to decrease viscosity, not altering cell dimensions, making this an incorrect treatment goal.

Choice C reason: Reducing blood viscosity is the primary goal in polycythemia vera, achieved through phlebotomy or myelosuppressive therapy to lower red cell mass. This alleviates symptoms like itching and prevents thrombotic complications, directly addressing the disease’s pathophysiology, making this correct.

Choice D reason: Controlling hypertension is a secondary concern in polycythemia vera, often resulting from increased blood volume. While managed, the primary goal is reducing blood viscosity to prevent complications, as hypertension is a symptom, not the root cause, making this incorrect.

Choice A reason: Linking high potassium to kidney function risk is inaccurate; hyperkalemia primarily affects cardiac and neuromuscular function. Numbness, tingling, or weakness are direct symptoms, making this statement less relevant for patient education and incorrect.

Choice B reason: Changing IV fluids may be a treatment but doesn’t explain the issue or engage the patient. Asking to report numbness, tingling, or weakness directly addresses hyperkalemia symptoms, making this less appropriate and incorrect.

Choice C reason: High potassium (6.1 mEq/L) can cause numbness, tingling, or weakness. Instructing the patient to report these symptoms ensures early detection of worsening hyperkalemia, making this the correct, patient-centered statement for education.

Choice D reason: Palpitations may occur, but numbness, tingling, and weakness are more specific to hyperkalemia’s neuromuscular effects. “Quick beating” is less precise for heart rhythm issues, so this is incorrect compared to option c.