Thick, sticky blood might sound like a sci-fi problem—but in nursing, it's called polycythemia, and it’s very real. In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN, breaks down the key differences between polycythemia and polycythemia vera (PV), what causes each one, and how to spot the signs that require immediate intervention.
You’ll learn:
What an elevated hematocrit actually means
Why blood becomes “hyperviscous” and how that impacts oxygen delivery and clot risk
How to identify unique symptoms like aquagenic pruritus and erythromelalgia
Red flags to watch for and why you should prioritize neuro changes in PV
Hear how one real patient navigates polycythemia management
PLUS: Morgan is joined by ICU nurse Rebecca Coulter, RN, BSN, CCRN, who shares her dad’s real-life journey with polycythemia—from diagnosis through ongoing treatment. Spoiler: being a nurse-daughter adds a whole new layer to care plans.
Whether you’re studying hematology or caring for someone with one of these blood disorders, this is one of those episodes that turns a hard-to-picture concept into something you won’t forget.
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