A patient has polycythemia vera and presents to the Emergency Department with plethora and neurological changes. The student asks the healthcare professional to explain the primary cause of these symptoms. What response by the professional is best?
A)Decreased erythrocyte count
B)Destruction of erythrocytes
C)Increased blood viscosity
D)Tissue destruction by macrophages

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

As polycythemia vera progresses, many of the symptoms are related to the increased blood cellularity and viscosity. These include plethora, engorgement of the retinal and cerebral veins. Individuals also may experience headache, drowsiness, delirium, mania, psychotic depression, chorea, and visual disturbances. The symptoms of polycythemia vera are not related to decreased erythrocyte counts, destruction of erythrocytes, or tissue destruction by macrophages.

A Patient Has Polycythemia Vera and Presents to the Emergency