A 53-year-old woman comes to physician because of recurrent headache, and multiple episodes of nosebleeds over the last few weeks. During this time, she has also been itching a lot, especially after getting ready for work in the mornings. She has had an 8-kg (17.6-lb) weight loss and increasing fatigue during the past 6 months. Her temperature is 37.8°C (100.0°F), pulse is 80/min, respirations are 15/min, and blood pressure is 158/90 mm Hg. Physical examination shows no lesions or evidence of trauma in the nasal cavity with facial plethora and moderate splenomegaly. Laboratory results are as follows: This patient most likely has a mutation in which of the following types of proteins?

Question

A 53-year-old woman comes to physician because of recurrent headache, and multiple episodes of nosebleeds over the last few weeks. During this time, she has also been itching a lot, especially after getting ready for work in the mornings. She has had an 8-kg (17.6-lb) weight loss and increasing fatigue during the past 6 months. Her temperature is 37.8°C (100.0°F), pulse is 80/min, respirations are 15/min, and blood pressure is 158/90 mm Hg. Physical examination shows no lesions or evidence of trauma in the nasal cavity with facial plethora and moderate splenomegaly.  Laboratory results are as follows:  This patient most likely has a mutation in which of the following types of proteins?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Polycythemia vera is a myeloproliferative disorder characterized by uncontrolled erythrocyte production.  Virtually all patients with polycythemia vera have a mutation in JAK2, a non-receptor (cytoplasmic) tyrosine kinase associated with the erythropoietin receptor.

A 53-Year-Old Woman Comes to Physician Because of Recurrent Headache