Choice A rationale:

Encourage alcohol consumption.

Rationale: This option is incorrect.

Encouraging alcohol consumption is not a suitable nursing intervention for a patient with polycythemia.

Alcohol can contribute to dehydration and may exacerbate the condition by increasing blood viscosity.

Choice B rationale:

Monitor oxygen saturation.

Rationale: This is a correct nursing intervention for a patient with polycythemia.

Polycythemia can lead to increased blood viscosity and reduced oxygen delivery to tissues.

Monitoring oxygen saturation helps assess tissue oxygenation and guides appropriate interventions.

Choice C rationale:

Administer anticoagulants.

Rationale: This is a correct nursing intervention for a patient with polycythemia.

Polycythemia increases the risk of blood clot formation.

Administering anticoagulants can help prevent clot formation and reduce the risk of thrombotic complications.

Choice D rationale:

Elevate the head of the bed.

Rationale: This is a correct nursing intervention for a patient with polycythemia.

Elevating the head of the bed can promote venous return and reduce the risk of blood pooling in the extremities, which is important in managing polycythemia.

Choice E rationale:

Apply moisturizing lotion to dry skin.

Rationale: This option is not a priority nursing intervention for a patient with polycythemia.

While dry skin may be a symptom of the condition, it is not a primary concern compared to managing blood viscosity, clot risk, and oxygenation.