A client who is a heavy smoker is living in a high-altitude area. A red blood cell count confirms a diagnosis of secondary polycythemia. What condition causes this blood disorder?
A) Lung cancer
B) Leukemia
C) Hypertension
D) Hypoxia

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Secondary polycythemia is often caused by hypoxia, which can result from living at high altitudes or from chronic smoking, both of which lead to decreased oxygen levels in the blood, prompting the body to produce more red blood cells to increase oxygen delivery.

A Client Who Is a Heavy Smoker Is Living in a High-Altitude