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 C
Explanation
A. While this medication is used to treat hyperkalemia, it is a slower acting treatment. Given the patient's critical condition with altered mental status, hyperkalemia, and elevated BUN, a more rapid intervention is needed.
B. Fluid resuscitation is important in some cases of AKI but it is not the priority in this patient. The patient is already showing signs of fluid overload (crackles in the lungs) and the primary issue is the inability of the kidneys to remove waste products and excess fluids.
C. This is the most appropriate treatment for this patient. RRT, such as hemodialysis or continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), can rapidly remove waste products, excess fluid, and electrolytes from the blood, correcting the imbalances and improving the patient's condition.
D. This medication is used for long-term management of hyperkalemia, but it is not effective in an acute setting like this.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. This is incorrect. While chronic rejection is a serious complication, patients who experience it can often receive another transplant.
B. This is incorrect and unrelated to kidney transplant.
C. This is incorrect. Adequate hydration is essential for proper kidney function.
D. This is correct. Immunosuppressants can contribute to hypertension, a common complication after kidney transplant.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.