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 B
Explanation
A. Decreased serum albumin is not typically associated with hemolysis; it may occur in conditions such as liver disease or malnutrition.
B. Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and eyes, is a common manifestation of hemolysis due to the increased production of bilirubin from the breakdown of red blood cells.
C. Increased serum bilirubin levels occur as a result of hemolysis, contributing to the development of jaundice.
D. Increased bilirubin is essentially the same as increased serum bilirubin; both indicate the presence of jaundice due to hemolysis.
E. Presence of dark urine is also characteristic of hemolysis, as it may contain excess bilirubin, giving it a darker color.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "Dietary supplements have not been tested and approved by the government." While this statement may be true, it is not directly related to the potential interaction between dietary supplements and nitroglycerin.
B. "Dietary supplements may be expensive and are not typically covered by insurance." While cost considerations are important, they are not directly related to the potential interaction
between dietary supplements and nitroglycerin.
C. "There is not enough evidence that dietary supplements are effective for erectile dysfunction."
While this statement may be true, it is not directly related to the potential interaction between dietary supplements and nitroglycerin.
D. "Dietary supplements can cause a drug-drug interaction with nitrates." Nitroglycerin is a medication commonly used for angina, and it interacts with erectile dysfunction medications
such as sildenafil (Viagra) due to its vasodilatory effects, potentially causing severe hypotension.
Therefore, it is crucial for the nurse to educate the client about the risk of interactions between dietary supplements and nitroglycerin.
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