Which finding about a patient with polycythemia vera is most ...

[Kikoku]

Which finding about a patient with polycythemia vera is most important for the nurse to report to the health care provider?
 
  a. Hematocrit 55
  b. Presence of plethora
  c. Calf swelling and pain
  d. Platelet count 450,000/L

Question 2

Which patient information is most important for the nurse to monitor when evaluating the effectiveness of deferoxamine (Desferal) for a patient with hemochromatosis?
 
  a. Skin color
  b. Hematocrit
  c. Liver function
  d. Serum iron level

[emily12345]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
The calf swelling and pain suggest that the patient may have developed a deep vein thrombosis, which will require diagnosis and treatment to avoid complications such as pulmonary embolus. The other findings will also be reported to the health care provider but are expected in a patient with this diagnosis.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Because iron chelating agents are used to lower serum iron levels, the most useful information will be the patient's iron level. The other parameters will also be monitored, but are not the most important to monitor when determining the effectiveness of deferoxamine.