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
Fever. This statement is incorrect. While fever can occur in clients with ITP due to infections, it is not a specific manifestation of the condition. ITP primarily affects platelet counts and bleeding tendencies.
Choice B rationale
Ecchymosis. This statement is correct. Ecchymosis, or bruising, is a hallmark manifestation of ITP due to low platelet counts and increased bleeding tendencies. Clients with ITP are prone to bruising and bleeding even with minor trauma.
Choice C rationale
Fatigue. This statement is incorrect. While fatigue can occur in clients with ITP due to anemia or chronic illness, it is not a specific manifestation of the condition. ITP primarily affects platelet counts and bleeding tendencies.
Choice D rationale
Elevated WBC. This statement is incorrect. Elevated white blood cell counts are not typically associated with ITP, which primarily affects platelet counts. An elevated WBC may indicate infection or inflammation but is not specific to ITP10111213.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Decreased temperature is not typically an immediate complication following a thoracentesis. It may indicate an infection, but this would develop over time rather than immediately after the procedure.
Choice B rationale
Serosanguineous drainage from the puncture site is expected after a thoracentesis and does not indicate a complication that requires immediate attention.
Choice C rationale
Shortness of breath is a serious complication that can indicate a pneumothorax or re- accumulation of fluid in the pleural space. This requires immediate attention and intervention by the healthcare provider.
Choice D rationale
Chest pain can be a sign of a complication such as a pneumothorax or infection. However, shortness of breath is a more immediate and severe symptom that requires urgent attention.