Polycythemia
Polycythemia ( 15 Questions)
A nurse is educating a client with polycythemia about potential complications.
Which complications should the nurse include in the teaching? Select all that apply.
Headache. Rationale: Headaches are a common symptom of polycythemia due to the increased blood volume and viscosity, which can lead to impaired blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain.
Fatigue. Rationale: Fatigue is also a common symptom of polycythemia due to the increased workload on the heart and decreased oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
Epistaxis. Rationale: Epistaxis, or nosebleeds, can occur in individuals with polycythemia because of the increased pressure on blood vessels and the fragility of the nasal mucosa caused by elevated red blood cell counts.
Increased blood pressure. Rationale: Elevated blood pressure can result from polycythemia due to the increased volume of blood in circulation, which can strain the cardiovascular system.
Gout. Rationale: Gout is a potential complication of polycythemia because the increased production of red blood cells can lead to elevated levels of uric acid, a risk factor for gout.
Choice A rationale:
Headache.
Rationale: Headaches are a common symptom of polycythemia due to the increased blood volume and viscosity, which can lead to impaired blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain.
Choice B rationale:
Fatigue.
Rationale: Fatigue is also a common symptom of polycythemia due to the increased workload on the heart and decreased oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
Choice C rationale:
Epistaxis.
Rationale: Epistaxis, or nosebleeds, can occur in individuals with polycythemia because of the increased pressure on blood vessels and the fragility of the nasal mucosa caused by elevated red blood cell counts.
Choice D rationale:
Increased blood pressure.
Rationale: Elevated blood pressure can result from polycythemia due to the increased volume of blood in circulation, which can strain the cardiovascular system.
Choice E rationale:
Gout.
Rationale: Gout is a potential complication of polycythemia because the increased production of red blood cells can lead to elevated levels of uric acid, a risk factor for gout.