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 A
Explanation
A. Raloxifene hydrochloride is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that is used for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. It helps to prevent bone loss and reduce the risk of fractures by acting similarly to estrogen in some tissues and antagonizing estrogen in others.
B. Levothyroxine is a thyroid hormone replacement medication used to treat hypothyroidism, not osteoporosis.
C. Escitalopram oxalate is an antidepressant medication used to treat depression and anxiety disorders, not osteoporosis.
D. Calcitonin is a hormone involved in calcium regulation, and calcitonin nasal spray is sometimes used in the treatment of osteoporosis, but it is not typically the first-line treatment option.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Radiation exposure: Radiation exposure can cause aplastic anemia, but if the cause is unknown, it is less likely to be due to a specific and identifiable event like radiation exposure.
B. An autoimmune disorder: When the cause of aplastic anemia cannot be diagnosed, it is often attributed to an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks its own bone marrow cells.
C. Chemotherapy drugs: Chemotherapy drugs can cause aplastic anemia, but this cause would typically be known based on the patient's medical history.
D. Toxins: Toxins can cause aplastic anemia, but like chemotherapy drugs and radiation, this cause would generally be identifiable.
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