Which of the following blood levels is usually abnormally high in a person with polycythemia vera?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hemoglobin. In polycythemia vera, there is an overproduction of red blood cells, leading to high levels of hemoglobin. This condition is characterized by an increased viscosity of blood. Erythropoietin (B) levels are usually low in polycythemia vera due to the negative feedback mechanism. Sodium (C) and potassium (D) levels are typically not directly affected by polycythemia vera.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hemolytic anemia. An elevated reticulocyte count indicates increased production of red blood cells by the bone marrow in response to their destruction. In hemolytic anemia, red blood cells are being destroyed prematurely, leading to compensatory reticulocytosis. Aplastic anemia (A) is characterized by bone marrow suppression with decreased production of all blood cells, including reticulocytes. An infectious process (C) typically does not cause an elevated reticulocyte count. Leukemia (D) is a disorder of the white blood cells and does not directly impact red blood cell production.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hipbone. Bone marrow samples are typically taken from the hipbone because it contains a rich source of bone marrow cells. The hipbone provides easier access to the bone marrow compared to other bones, making it a common site for bone marrow aspiration. Taking samples from the arm bone, breastbone, or leg bone can be more challenging and less efficient. Therefore, the hipbone is the preferred location for bone marrow extraction due to its accessibility and abundance of bone marrow cells.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C (4.0-5.0). The normal range for total RBC count in women is typically between 4.0-5.0 million cells per microliter. This range represents the standard values accepted in clinical practice. Choice A (4.4-6) and D (4.2-5.2) are higher than the normal range for women, indicating polycythemia. Choice B (4.2-5) is slightly lower than the usual range, which could suggest anemia. Therefore, the correct choice is C as it falls within the expected range for total RBC count in women.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why answer A is correct: 1. Hydroxyurea is a medication used to treat conditions like sickle cell disease. 2. It increases hemoglobin production by stimulating the production of fetal hemoglobin. 3. This increase in hemoglobin levels leads to decreased reticulocyte count. 4. Reticulocytes are immature red blood cells, and their count decreases as hemoglobin production increases. Summary: - Answer A is correct because hydroxyurea does increase hemoglobin production and decrease reticulocyte count. - Answer B is incorrect because hydroxyurea does have these effects. - Answer C is incorrect as these effects are consistent. - Answer D is incorrect as hydroxyurea can have these effects in both adults and children.