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 D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Packed RBCs are used to treat anemia or significant blood loss but are not specifically indicated for hemophilia A.
Choice B rationale
Fresh frozen plasma contains clotting factors but is not the preferred treatment for hemophilia A.
Choice C rationale
Prophylactic antibiotics are used to prevent infection but do not address the clotting deficiency in hemophilia A.
Choice D rationale
Recombinant factor VIII is the treatment of choice for individuals with hemophilia A. It replaces the deficient factor VIII in the blood, promoting clot formation and preventing excessive bleeding during surgical procedures.
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.