Word parts
What it means
Extra red blood cellred blud selA blood cell that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues; also called an erythrocyte.Full entry s make the blood thick, which raises the risk of clots and stroke. In polycythemia vera, a bone marrow disorder, the marrow makes too many cells on its own. Secondary polycythemia is the body's response to long-term low oxygen, as in COPDsee-oh-pee-dee (said as letters)Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a long-term lung disease that makes it hard to move air out of the lungs.chronic long-lastingobstructive blockingpulmon/o lung-ary relating toFull entry , living at high altitude or smoking. The hemoglobinHEE-muh-gloh-binThe iron-containing protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen, and the blood test that measures it.hem/o bloodglobin proteinFull entry and hematocrit are high. Treatment may include removing blood (phlebotomy).
For the nurse
Encourage fluids and activity, watch for signs of clots, and ask about headache, dizziness and itching.
At a glance
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Related terms
COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a long-term lung disease that makes it hard to move air out of the lungs.
hemoglobin
The iron-containing protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen, and the blood test that measures it.
cyt/o
A word part that means cell.
red blood cell
A blood cell that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues; also called an erythrocyte.
-emia
A word ending that means a condition of the blood, or something in the blood.
poly-
A word beginning that means many or much.