In a bone marrow aspiration, a health care provider uses a thin needle to remove a small amount of liquid bone marrow, usually from a spot in the back of your hipbone (pelvis). A bone marrow biopsy is often done at the same time. This second procedure removes a small piece of bone tissue and the enclosed marrow. Show
If your doctor suspects that you have polycythemia vera, he or she might recommend collecting a sample of your bone marrow through a bone marrow aspiration or biopsy. A bone marrow biopsy involves taking a sample of solid bone marrow material. A bone marrow aspiration is usually done at the same time. During an aspiration, your doctor withdraws a sample of the liquid portion of your marrow. Specific gene testingIf you have polycythemia vera, analysis of your bone marrow or blood might show the gene mutation that's associated with the disease. More Information
TreatmentThere's no cure for polycythemia vera. Treatment focuses on reducing your risk of complications. These treatments may also ease your symptoms. Blood withdrawalsThe most common treatment for polychythemia vera is having frequent blood withdrawals, using a needle in a vein (phlebotomy). It's the same procedure used for donating blood. This decreases your blood volume and reduces the number of excess blood cells. How often you need to have blood drawn depends on the severity of your condition. Treatments to reduce itchingIf you have bothersome itching, your doctor may prescribe medication, such as antihistamines, or recommend ultraviolet light treatment to relieve your discomfort. Medications that are normally used to treat depression, called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), helped relieve itching in clinical trials. Examples of SSRIs include paroxetine (Brisdelle, Paxil, Pexeva, others) or fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, Selfemra, others). Drugs that reduce the number of red blood cellsIf phlebotomy alone doesn't help enough, your doctor may suggest medications that can reduce the number of red blood cells in your bloodstream. Examples include:
Heart medicationsYour doctor will also likely prescribe medications to control risk factors for heart and blood vessel disease, including high blood pressure, diabetes and abnormal cholesterol. Your doctor may recommend that you take a low dose of aspirin to reduce your risk of blood clots. Low-dose aspirin may also help reduce burning pain in your feet or hands. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic Clinical trialsExplore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition. Lifestyle and home remediesYou can take steps to help yourself feel better if you've been diagnosed with polycythemia vera. Try to:
Preparing for your appointmentYou're likely to start by seeing your primary care physician. If you're diagnosed with polycythemia vera, you might be referred to a doctor who specializes in blood conditions (hematologist). Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment. What you can doMake a list of:
For polycythemia vera, questions to ask your doctor include:
Don't hesitate to ask other questions you think of during the appointment. Take a family member or friend along, if possible, to help you remember the information you're given. What to expect from your doctorYour doctor is likely to ask you questions, including:
By Mayo Clinic Staff Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic Symptoms & causesDoctors & departments Feb. 11, 2022 Share on: FacebookTwitter Living with polycythemia vera?Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Blood Cancers & Disorders support group on Mayo Clinic Connect, a patient community. Blood Cancers & Disorders DiscussionsHow did you make the final decision to begin HU protocol for ET? 46 Replies Mon, Nov 28, 2022 chevron-rightHigh Platelets 41 Replies Tue, Nov 15, 2022 chevron-rightMGUS monitoring: What tests do you have done regularly? 31 Replies Mon, Nov 07, 2022 chevron-rightSee more discussionsShow references
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Polycythemia vera
AdvertisementMayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. What is nursing diagnosis for polycythemia?Nursing diagnoses: CBC. A patient with polycythemia has an increased risk of venous thrombosis, as his/her blood is more viscous. It is important to maintain adequate hydration. Keeping a patient with a high RBC count dehydrated, such as being NPO for an extended time, may increase risk of venous thrombosis formation.
What are the nursing interventions for polycythemia?Early ambulation and ROM to improve blood flow and help prevent thrombotic events. Lukewarm baths and routine use of skin moisturizer can reduce the severity of pruritis. Splenectomy may be needed due to splenomegaly.
Which nursing diagnosis will be the first priority?Any nursing diagnoses that directly relate to survival or a threat to the patient's mortality should be prioritized first. This may be related to the patient's access to air, water, or food, defined as the necessities of survival.
What are examples of priority nursing diagnosis?Survival needs or imminent life-threatening problems take the highest priority. For example, the needs for air, water, and food are survival needs. Nursing diagnostic categories that reflect these high-priority needs include Ineffective Airway Clearance and Deficient Fluid Volume.
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