A 67-year-old female is admitted to the emergency room with a diagnosis of polycythemia vera. Treatment for her condition might involve:
A) therapeutic phlebotomy.
B) restoration of blood volume by plasma expanders.
C) the administration of packed red blood cells.
D) iron replacement therapy.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The treatment for polycythemia vera involves reducing the number of red blood cells in the body, which can be achieved through therapeutic phlebotomy. This involves removing a certain amount of blood from the patient's body to decrease the overall volume of red blood cells. Restoration of blood volume by plasma expanders or administration of packed red blood cells would be counterproductive in this condition. Iron replacement therapy is also not indicated in polycythemia vera as iron levels are typically normal or elevated in this disorder.

A 67-Year-Old Female Is Admitted to the Emergency Room with a Diagnosis