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Question Reply PostWhat interventions could be utilized in order to overcome these challenges?Polycythemia Vera is a chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm that causes bone marrow to make too many red blood cells. The excess cells thicken the blood, which slows the flow throughout the body. Blood hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are increased, along with excessive leukocyte and platelet production. It is very rare and develops slowly, causing the patient to possibly have it for years without knowing. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision, itchiness, numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness in hands, feet, arms, or legs, a feeling of fullness soon after eating and bloating or pain in the upper left abdomen, unusual bleeding, painful swelling of one joint, and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing when lying down.One treatment option is blood withdrawals, which is the mostcommon treatment. Using phlebotomy decreases the blood volume and reduces thenumber of excess blood cells. How often this is done depends on the severity ofthe condition. Challenges could include bruising and pain, minor bleeding,fatigue, and lightheadedness during blood withdrawal. Another challenge wouldbe for the patient to find time to come in and have their blood withdrawn,especially if they have to do it more often than none.Another treatment is medications that reduce the number of redblood cells in the bloodstream, such as hydroxyurea, ruxolitinib, or busulfan.Another medication would be aspirin to help reduce the risk of blood clots andhelp reduce burning pain in the feet or hands. One challenge would be havingthe patient follow and take their medication as prescribed. Another challengewould be the medication not working or causing severe signs and symptoms.One other treatment option would be lifestyle changes. Thiswould include moderate exercise (walking to improve blood flow), avoid tobaccouse (prevent blood vessels from narrowing), avoid low-oxygen environments(reduces the oxygen level in blood), and avoid extreme temperatures (preventpoor blood flow). A challenge would be if the patient was not willing to changetheir lifestyle habits. Another challenge would be if they lived in an areawith low oxygen such as on a mountain, the ability or money to move somewherewith higher oxygen concentration. Health Science Science Nursing NUR 2502 Share QuestionEmailCopy link Comments (0)