A patient with a 40-pack per year smoking history has increased hemoglobin and hematocrit.The nurse expects that which test will be done to assess for erythrocytosis?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Increased hemoglobin and hematocrit in a patient with a smoking history suggests erythrocytosis, which is an increase in the number of red blood cells. In this case, the nurse should expect that a carboxyhemoglobin level test will be done to assess for erythrocytosis, as smoking can increase the amount of carbon monoxide in the blood, which can lead to an increase in red blood cells. Serum electrolytes, sedimentation rate, and platelet count are not specific tests for assessing erythrocytosis.

A Patient with a 40-Pack Per Year Smoking History Has