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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is E
Explanation
A. Vaginal bleeding is not a typical sign of ovulation. Vaginal bleeding occurs during menstruation, which is distinct from ovulation.
B. A slight decrease in basal body temperature may occur before ovulation, not during ovulation itself.
C. Breast tenderness can occur due to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, but it is not a direct indicator of ovulation.
D. Decreased sex drive is not a typical symptom of ovulation. In fact, some women may experience an increase in sex drive around ovulation.
E. Lower abdominal pain/cramping, also known as mittelschmerz, is a common symptom of ovulation. It typically occurs on one side of the lower abdomen and can help indicate the timing of ovulation.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. This response accurately describes the pathophysiology of sickle cell crisis. During a crisis, sickled red blood cells clump together, leading to microvascular occlusion and impaired blood flow to tissues, resulting in pain.
B. Bleeding in the joints is not a characteristic feature of sickle cell crisis. It may occur in other conditions such as hemophilia or osteoarthritis but not in sickle cell crisis.
C. Disturbance in cellular metabolism is not the primary mechanism underlying the pain experienced during sickle cell crisis.
D. Bone marrow expansion with sickled cells may contribute to bone pain in sickle cell disease, but it is not the primary cause of pain during a sickle cell crisis.
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