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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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is characterized by a rapid heart rate originating above the ventricles, typically with a regular rhythm and identifiable P waves. The described ECG strip shows an irregular rhythm and an inability to identify P waves, which is not consistent with SVT5.
Choice B rationale
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is characterized by an irregularly irregular rhythm, absence of identifiable P waves, and variable PR intervals. The ECG findings of an irregular rhythm, inability to identify P waves, and a QRS duration of 0.10 seconds are consistent with AF6.
Choice C rationale
Sinus bradycardia is characterized by a regular rhythm with a heart rate less than 60 beats per minute and identifiable P waves preceding each QRS complex. The described ECG strip shows an irregular rhythm and an inability to identify P waves, which is not consistent with sinus bradycardia.
Choice D rationale
First-degree heart block is characterized by a prolonged PR interval with a regular rhythm. The described ECG strip shows an irregular rhythm and an inability to measure the PR interval, which is not consistent with first-degree heart block.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Hypovolemic shock occurs due to a significant decrease in circulating blood volume, leading to inadequate tissue perfusion. Blood loss, such as the 800 mL lost during surgery, is a common cause of hypovolemic shock. The steadily decreasing blood pressure is consistent with this type of shock.
Choice B rationale
Septic shock results from a systemic inflammatory response to infection, leading to vasodilation and maldistribution of blood flow. There is no indication of infection in this scenario.
Choice C rationale
Neurogenic shock results from a loss of sympathetic tone, leading to vasodilation and relative hypovolemia. It is often associated with spinal cord or severe head injury, which is not indicated in this scenario.
Choice D rationale
Obstructive shock occurs when there is an obstruction to blood flow within the cardiovascular system, such as a pulmonary embolism or cardiac tamponade. There is no evidence of such an obstruction in this scenario.