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Polycythemia vera
1Saint Thomas Hospital, Nashville, TN, USA.
Objectives:
To review the proliferative nature of polycythemia vera (PV), clinical features, laboratory findings, treatment options and controversies, and nursing management.
Data Sources:
Textbook chapters and review articles that pertain to polycythemia vera.
Conclusions:
Polycythemia vera is a chronic myeloproliferative disorder that can evolve into acute leukemia. Treatment options include phlebotomy, myelosuppressive agents, interferon, and platelet inhibitors.
Implications For Nursing Practice:
Nursing management of the patient with PV is challenging because of the evolving nature of the disease and treatment-related complications. Close monitoring and compliance with the treatment plan is necessary.