Question

The CBC of a client with emphysema reveals a red blood cell count of \(8,000,000\). The nurse recognizes that extreme elevations in the number of red blood cells predisposes the client to: A. Migraine headaches B. Development of clots C. Intermittent claudication D. Increased susceptibility to infection

Short answer

Answer: Development of blood clots

Step-by-step solution

Understand the role of red blood cells

Red blood cells (RBCs) are primarily responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and returning carbon dioxide to the lungs to be exhaled. A normal RBC count is between 4,500,000 and 5,500,000 per microliter for men and between 4,000,000 and 5,200,000 per microliter for women. An elevated RBC count means that there are more red blood cells than normal, which can affect the blood's viscosity and overall function.

Evaluate option A: Migraine headaches

Migraine headaches are caused by a complex cascade of events involving the nerves, blood vessels, and chemicals in the brain. There is no direct evidence linking elevated RBC count to migraine headaches. Therefore, option A is not correct.

Evaluate option B: Development of clots

When red blood cell counts are extremely high, the blood becomes more viscous (thicker) and can result in an increased risk of developing blood clots. Clots can block blood vessels, resulting in strokes, heart attacks, and other serious medical conditions. Therefore, option B is the correct answer associated with high red blood cell count.

Evaluate option C: Intermittent claudication

Intermittent claudication is a symptom of peripheral artery disease (PAD), in which the blood flow to the extremities is decreased due to narrowing of the blood vessels. Although PAD can lead to clotting issues, it is not directly related to elevated RBC count. Therefore, option C is not correct.

Evaluate option D: Increased susceptibility to infection

An elevated red blood cell count does not have a direct impact on the immune system or the body's ability to fight off infections. The primary cells involved in the immune response are leukocytes (white blood cells), not red blood cells. Therefore, option D is not correct.

Confirm the correct answer

After evaluating each option, we can conclude that an extreme elevation in the number of red blood cells predisposes the client to the development of blood clots (option B).