IntroductionPolycythemia vera (PV) is a chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm, which is characterised with the clonal proliferation of the erythroid, myeloid and megakaryocytic series and which is a threat to life [1,2]. The foundation is prepared for the formation of blood clots in all of the tissues and organs, together with an increase in the viscosity and volume of blood in particular, and many systems such as the central nervous system and the cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems are affected [1,3]. While PV, which increases with age, is seen in a rate of 10.9 out of every one million people in America [4], it has not been possible to reach data on the incidence of the illness in Turkey. According to the diagnosis criteria of the World Health Organisation, 2 major and 1 minor or 1 major and 2 minor criterion need to be present at the same time for a diagnosis of PV. The major criteria are haemoglobin levels in men being >18.5 g/dl and >16.5 g/dl in women, or the presence of the other findings of increased masses; and the positivity of other functionally similar mutations, such as the JAK2 and V61F7 or JAK2 Exon 12 mutation. The minor criteria, on the other hand, are a bone marrow biopsy displaying hyper-cellularity based on age, lower than normal serum erythropoietin levels and the formation of in vitro endogenous erythroid colonies [5].The symptoms in polycythemia patients are generally asymptomatic, while generally being headaches due to hyper-viscosity and hypervolemia, as well as nose bleeds, tinnitus, vertigo, vision disorders, dyspnoea, angina, a florid appearance and a burning sensation in the hands and feet. Additionally, symptoms of petechia, purpura, ecchymosis, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, peptic ulcers and hyperuricaemia are seen [6,7]. Cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, smoking) increase the risk of complications in advanced ages in particular [5,8] AbstractBackground: Polycythemia vera (PV) is a chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm, which is a threat to life. Teamwork is needed during the process of treatment and care of patients suffering from PV, which is a chronic illness. Especially, important roles fall to the nurses within the team.
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