Ultrasonography Essay

This disease is often found when a person is going to the doctor for a routine checkup; their labs usually show an increased amount of blood cells of all types. The patient’s hemoglobin the day of clinical was 8.8; his platelets were 641. Ultrasonography is a type of diagnostic tool used to screen for any type of tumors that may have precipitated the illness. The most common types that cause polycythemia are kidney and liver tumors. The kidneys produce erythropoietin; these are what generates red blood cells. The liver and spleen are affected by this too, and those with polycythemia may have splenomegaly (LLS, 2012). Chest x-ray and sleep studies are other forms of diagnostic tools used in the identification of this disease. Upon admission …show more content…
A chest x-ray was completed anteriorly and posteriorly. Results of the chest x-ray came back negative for any tumors or masses. A complete blood count and basic metabolic panel were done to determine the severity of the blood loss. Some people may have a higher risk for developing polycythemia than others. A patient is diagnosed with Polycythemia vera if certain criteria are met. There are two types of criteria, major and minor. The client must have all three major criteria which includes red blood cell mass over 36 milliliters per kilogram, arterial oxygen level greater than ninety two percent, and splenomegaly. Two minor criteria’s must also be met. These include platelet count greater than 400,000 cubic millimeters, white blood cells greater than 12,000 with or without fever and infection, and leukocyte alkaline phosphatase score greater than 100 with an increase blood serum levels of vitamin B12 (Frey, 2011). Some risk factors for this illness include smoking, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, and genetic predispositions. PUT CITATION IN (Warren) Treatments vary depending on the type and severity of this disease. Controlling symptoms is the most important aspect of