Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Which of the following is a common symptom of polycythemia vera?

1. Extreme fatigue

2. Frequent bruising

3. Headache and dizziness

4. Night sweats

The correct answer is: Headache and dizziness

Polycythemia vera is a myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by the overproduction of red blood cells, which can lead to increased blood viscosity and a range of symptoms. Headache and dizziness are particularly common symptoms associated with this condition due to the elevated levels of red blood cells and the resultant strain on the cardiovascular system. The increased blood viscosity can lead to impaired blood flow and oxygen delivery, which contributes to symptoms like headaches and dizziness. This is often due to the blood's inability to circulate effectively, causing reduced blood supply to the brain and leading to these sensations. While extreme fatigue, frequent bruising, and night sweats may also occur individually or in different contexts, they are not as directly linked to the pathophysiology of polycythemia vera as headache and dizziness. Therefore, identifying headache and dizziness as common symptoms of this condition helps in understanding its clinical presentation and can guide further diagnostic and management steps.