A patient's electronic health record notes that he has previously undergone treatment for secondary polycythemia. How should this aspect of the patient's history guide the nurse's subsequent assessment?
A) The nurse should assess for recent blood donation.
B) The nurse should assess for evidence of lung disease.
C) The nurse should assess for a history of venous thromboembolism.
D) The nurse should assess the patient for impaired renal function.
Ans: B
Feedback:
Any reduction in oxygenation, such as lung disease, can cause secondary polycythemia. Blood donation does not precipitate this problem and impaired renal function typically causes anemia, not polycythemia. A history of VTE is not a likely contributor.
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