A nurse is caring for a client who has chronic renal disease and is receiving therapy with epoetin alfa.
Which of the following laboratory results should the nurse review for an indication of a therapeutic effect of the medication?
The hematocrit (Hct).
The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).
The platelet count.
The leukocyte count.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
The hematocrit (Hct). This statement is correct. Epoetin alfa is used to treat anemia by stimulating the production of red blood cells. An increase in hematocrit levels indicates a therapeutic effect of the medication, as it reflects an increase in the proportion of red blood cells in the blood.
Choice B rationale
The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). This statement is incorrect. The ESR is a non- specific marker of inflammation and is not used to monitor the therapeutic effect of epoetin alfa. It does not provide information about red blood cell production or anemia.
Choice C rationale
The platelet count. This statement is incorrect. The platelet count measures the number of platelets in the blood, which are involved in clotting. It is not affected by epoetin alfa therapy and does not indicate the therapeutic effect of the medication.
Choice D rationale
The leukocyte count. This statement is incorrect. The leukocyte count measures the number of white blood cells in the blood, which are involved in the immune response. It is not affected by epoetin alfa therapy and does not indicate the therapeutic effect of the medication.
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View Related questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Maintaining a semi-Fowler’s position can help improve lung expansion and ease breathing in clients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, it does not directly address the issue of mucus congestion and difficulty in expectorating (bringing up) mucus.
While positioning can aid in overall respiratory comfort, it is not the most effective intervention for managing mucus congestion in COPD clients.
Choice B rationale
A low-salt diet is beneficial for overall health and can help manage conditions such as hypertension and heart disease. However, it does not have a direct impact on mucus congestion in clients with COPD. Dietary modifications are important for managing comorbidities, but they do not address the primary concern of mucus clearance in this scenario.
Choice C rationale
Encouraging the client to drink 2 to 3 liters of water daily is an effective intervention for managing mucus congestion in clients with COPD. Adequate hydration helps thin the mucus, making it easier to cough up and clear from the airways. This intervention directly addresses the client’s complaint of difficulty in expectorating mucus and can improve respiratory function and comfort.
Choice D rationale
Administering oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L/min can help improve oxygenation in clients with COPD. However, it does not address the issue of mucus congestion and difficulty in expectorating mucus. While supplemental oxygen is important for managing hypoxemia, it is not the primary intervention for mucus clearance. The focus should be on interventions that help thin and mobilize mucus to alleviate the client’s symptoms.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Chest pain and dyspnea are concerning symptoms but are not the most immediate manifestations to report in a client undergoing radiation therapy for brain cancer. These symptoms could be related to other conditions and require further evaluation.
Choice B rationale
Seizures are the most immediate manifestation to report because they indicate increased intracranial pressure or other neurological complications related to brain cancer and radiation therapy. Seizures require prompt medical intervention to prevent further complications.
Choice C rationale
Hematuria is a concerning symptom but is not the most immediate manifestation to report in this context. It could be related to other conditions and requires further evaluation.
Choice D rationale
Swelling of the extremities is a concerning symptom but is not the most immediate manifestation to report in this context. It could be related to other conditions and requires further evaluation.