Which finding about a patient with polycythemia vera is most important for the nurse to report to the health care provider?
Presence of plethora (excess body fluid)
Calf swelling and pain
Platelet count 450,000/microL
Hematocrit 55%
The Correct Answer is B
A. Presence of plethora is a common symptom of polycythemia vera and indicates increased blood volume but is not immediately life-threatening.
B. Calf swelling and pain could indicate a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a serious complication that requires immediate medical attention.
C. A platelet count of 450,000/microL is elevated but not as critical as the possibility of a DVT.
D. Hematocrit of 55% is high, which is expected in polycythemia vera, but it is not as immediately critical as the risk of thrombosis suggested by calf swelling and pain.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Pain level of "4" on a scale of 0 to 10 indicates mild pain and may not require immediate attention compared to other potential issues.
B. Vital signs within normal range, including temperature and blood pressure, do not indicate an urgent need for assessment.
C. Urinary catheter output of 150 mL in the last 3 hours is within the expected range postoperatively and does not require immediate assessment.
D. Saturated perineal pads suggest excessive bleeding, which could indicate a potential complication such as hemorrhage. Therefore, the nurse should assess this patient first to ensure prompt intervention if necessary.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Vitamin C is not known to cause bone marrow suppression. In fact, it is essential for the proper function of the immune system and the production of collagen.
B. Physical exercise does not cause bone marrow suppression. Regular exercise can have positive effects on bone health and overall well-being.
C. Chemotherapy, which is used to treat cancer, can cause bone marrow suppression as a side effect. It affects rapidly dividing cells, including those in the bone marrow responsible for producing blood cells.
D. Some antibiotics, such as certain types of penicillins and sulfonamides, can rarely cause bone marrow suppression as a side effect. However, this is not a common effect of all antibiotics.
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