You respond to a patient complaining of shortness of breath. Upon your arrival, the patient tells you that she has been experiencing headaches, vertigo, and now itching. She says her doctor had called with a lab result of her latest test. Her hematocrit is reported as 60. You suspect:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A hematocrit level of 60 indicates an abnormally high level of red blood cells, which is consistent with polycythemia. Symptoms of polycythemia can include shortness of breath, headaches, dizziness or vertigo, and itching. It is important to rule out other possible causes, but based on the patient's lab result and symptoms, polycythemia is the most likely diagnosis.

You Respond to a Patient Complaining of Shortness of Breath