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Content 3
A 48-year-old man is brought to the emergency department by his family because he has been acting disoriented and confused. A complete blood cell count reveals hemoglobin of 20 g/dL. A urinalysis indicates hematuria (2+). A CT scan of the abdomen reveals a mass in the right kidney. What is the most likely cause of his disorientation and confusion?
The answer is C.
Given the history, this patient most likely has a secondary erythrocytosis due to erythropoietin production by a renal cell carcinoma.