Polycythemia is associated with which of the following conditions?

Study for the Barron/Elsevier CCRN Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Ensure success on your exam!

Polycythemia, which is an increase in the number of red blood cells in the bloodstream, can lead to an elevated blood viscosity. This increased viscosity can interfere with normal blood flow and circulation, resulting in a state that is more likely to form blood clots. Therefore, individuals with polycythemia tend to be at greater risk for hypercoagulability, which is a condition where there is an increased tendency for the blood to clot.

In hypercoagulable states, conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism are more likely to occur due to the increased number of red blood cells causing sluggish blood flow. This is contrasted with other conditions that would imply a reduced tendency for clot formation, such as hypocoagulability or normal coagulability. Thus, hypercoagulability is the most accurate association with polycythemia in this context.

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