A client with anemia secondary to chronic kidney disease (CKD) started a prescription for epoetin alfa two months ago. Which client finding best indicates that the medication is effective?
Reference Range
- Hemoglobin (Hgb) [Reference Range: Male: 14 to 18 g/dL (8.7 to 11.2 mmol/L)]
Hemoglobin level increased to 12 g/dL (7.45 mmol/L).
Reports of increased energy levels and decreased fatigue.
Food diary shows increased consumption of iron-rich foods.
Takes concurrent iron therapy without adverse effects.
The Correct Answer is A
A: The primary therapeutic effect of epoetin alfa is to stimulate erythropoiesis, leading to an increase in hemoglobin levels. An increase to 12 g/dL demonstrates that the medication is effectively treating the anemia caused by CKD. Monitoring hemoglobin levels is the most objective and reliable indicator of the medication’s effectiveness.
B: While these subjective improvements can indicate an overall improvement in anemia-related symptoms, they are not the best or most definitive measure of the medication's effectiveness. Objective data, such as hemoglobin levels, provide more concrete evidence.
C: Increased consumption of iron-rich foods is beneficial for clients with anemia, but it is not a direct indicator of the effectiveness of epoetin alfa. Dietary changes can support overall health but do not provide evidence of the medication's impact on hemoglobin levels.
D: Taking concurrent iron therapy is common for clients receiving epoetin alfa, as iron is necessary for the production of red blood cells. However, the absence of adverse effects does not directly indicate the effectiveness of epoetin alfa in increasing hemoglobin levels.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is D.
Choice A rationale: While iodine is essential for thyroid hormone synthesis, it is not relevant to the administration of levothyroxine. The client does not need to consume foods high in iodine specifically for taking levothyroxine.
Choice B rationale: While iron supplements can interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine, this statement does not indicate that the client understands when to take levothyroxine correctly.
Choice C rationale: Levothyroxine should be taken in the morning, not at bedtime, to avoid interference with sleep and to optimize absorption.
Choice D rationale: Levothyroxine, a thyroid hormone replacement, should be taken on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning, at least 30 minutes before eating. Taking it on an empty stomach maximizes its absorption and ensures optimal therapeutic effects.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale: This option is not appropriate as increasing saturated fat intake would exacerbate the oily stool and flatus symptoms caused by orlistat. Orlistat is specifically designed to reduce fat absorption, and increasing fat intake would be counterproductive and may worsen the side effects.
Choice B rationale: Asking a client to describe their dietary intake history is a standard practice in nutritional assessment. It provides a baseline for understanding current eating habits and identifying areas for improvement.
Choice C rationale: Advising a client to stop taking medication should only be done by a qualified healthcare provider who has full knowledge of the client's health history and current medications.
Choice D rationale: While obtaining a stool specimen for evaluation might be relevant in some situations, it is not the priority in this case. The oily stools and flatus are most likely related to the side effects of orlistat and do not typically require stool testing for confirmation. The more immediate action would be to address the symptoms by advising the client to stop taking the medication and contact her healthcare provider for further guidance.
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