A client with chronic kidney disease is receiving epoetin alfa. Which laboratory result would indicate a therapeutic effect of the medication?
Increasing hematocrit
Decreasing serum potassium
Decreasing platelets
Increasing white blood cells
The Correct Answer is A
A. Hematocrit measures the proportion of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells. Epoetin alfa stimulates red blood cell production, so a therapeutic effect would be indicated by an increase in hematocrit levels. This is a key laboratory result to monitor when assessing the effectiveness of epoetin alfa in treating anemia in CKD patients.
B. Serum potassium levels are important to monitor in CKD patients due to the risk of hyperkalemia, but they are not directly affected by epoetin alfa. Decreasing serum potassium is not a primary indicator of the therapeutic effect of epoetin alfa.
C. Platelet count measures the number of platelets in the blood, which are crucial for blood clotting. Epoetin alfa is not designed to affect platelet counts; thus, a change in platelet count is not an indicator of the medication's therapeutic effect.
D. White blood cell count reflects the immune system's status and is not directly influenced by epoetin alfa. This medication specifically targets red blood cell production and does not impact white blood cell counts.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Milk is low in purines and is not associated with an increase in uric acid levels or the formation of uric acid stones. In fact, dairy products like milk can be beneficial in a diet for managing kidney stones because they are low in purines and provide calcium, which may help prevent stone formation.
B. Liver is very high in purines. High-purine foods increase the levels of uric acid in the body, which can lead to the formation of uric acid stones in the kidneys. Therefore, clients with recurrent kidney stones due to excessive purine intake should avoid liver and other organ meats.
C. Spinach is considered to have a moderate level of purines. While it is not as high in purines as organ meats, it still contains a notable amount. However, in comparison to foods like liver, it is less of a concern for individuals who need to strictly limit purine intake.
D. Chocolate contains a moderate amount of purines, but it is not as high in purines as organ meats like liver. While it’s not completely free from purines, its purine content is generally lower compared to foods such as liver.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Patients with PKD may have issues with kidney function over time, which can affect potassium levels. Typically, a high-potassium diet is not recommended for those with kidney problems because it can exacerbate hyperkalemia.
B. Polycystic kidney disease can lead to progressive loss of kidney function, and many patients eventually require dialysis or a kidney transplant as the disease advances and kidney function declines.
C. There is no general recommendation for a vasectomy solely based on having PKD. While PKD is a genetic condition, and individuals with PKD can pass the condition on to their children, there is no requirement for men with PKD to undergo sterilization.
D. People with PKD are potential candidates for kidney transplantation if their kidney function deteriorates to the point where dialysis is required. PKD itself does not disqualify individuals from receiving a kidney transplant.
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