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.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. This is a pre-renal cause of acute kidney injury, related to decreased blood flow to the kidneys.
B. This is a post-renal cause of acute kidney injury, as it obstructs the outflow of urine.
C. This is an intrarenal cause of acute kidney injury, directly affecting the kidney tissue.
D. This is an intrarenal cause of acute kidney injury, related to damage to the small blood vessels in the kidneys.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Hypertension is a risk factor for kidney disease. However, it can often be managed with medication. Controlled hypertension is not typically a contraindication for a kidney transplant.
B. If the client has maintained sobriety for a significant period, it might not be a contraindication. A history of alcohol abuse would require careful evaluation but doesn't necessarily preclude transplantation.
C. This is a contraindication for kidney transplantation. Severe heart disease can significantly increase the risks associated with surgery and post-transplant care.
D. Hepatitis C can be a challenge but it's not an absolute contraindication. Many transplant centers have protocols for managing hepatitis C-positive recipients.
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