6. Polycythemia.pdf

Polycythemia Pathophysiology Course Pathophysiology Polycythemia refers to a condition where the body produces an increased number of red blood cells (RBCs) due to hypoxia (low oxygen) within the body. Instead of perfusing the body, these extra RBCs make the blood very thick, causing blood clots l...

Polycythemia Pathophysiology Course Pathophysiology Polycythemia refers to a condition where the body produces an increased number of red blood cells (RBCs) due to hypoxia (low oxygen) within the body. Instead of perfusing the body, these extra RBCs make the blood very thick, causing blood clots like traffic jams with blood vessels, mainly in the brain (CVA - stroke). Polycythemia vera 0₂ Increased RBCs Low erythropoietin levels 0₂ 0₂ 0₂ Cause: Cancer (Neoplasm, Neoplastic) Secondary polycythemia Increased RBCs Cause: Hypoxemia (low oxygen in the blood) Diagnosis 1 HEMOGLOBIN HEMATOCRIT Increased RBCs (red blood cells) Increased H&H Report to HCP Hemoglobin (HgB) & Hematocrit (HcT) Hypercellular bone marrow Hyperuricemia Liver Spleen Manifestations Increased BP NORMAL HIGH LOW Hepatomegaly (big liver) Splenomegaly (big spleen) Sluggish blood flow Big heart Cardiac hypertrophy (big heart) Headache & visual problems Thrombosis (clot) Infarctions CVA = clot in the brain MI = clot in the heart PE = clot in the lung DVT = clot in the deep vein Notes