A nurse is caring for a client who has chronic renal failure and is receiving epoetin alfa. To check for therapeutic effects, the nurse should monitor which of the following client laboratory tests?
Hemoglobin levels
Iron levels
Platelet count
White blood cell count
The Correct Answer is A
A. Hemoglobin levels. Epoetin alfa stimulates erythropoiesis (red blood cell production) in clients with chronic renal failure, where natural erythropoietin production is impaired. The therapeutic effect of epoetin alfa is measured by monitoring hemoglobin (Hgb) levels to ensure adequate response without exceeding safe limits. Target Hgb levels should not exceed 11 g/dL, as higher levels increase the risk of thromboembolic events and hypertension.
B. Iron levels. While iron is necessary for red blood cell production, epoetin alfa does not directly affect iron levels. However, iron supplementation may be required if iron deficiency is present, as inadequate iron stores can limit the effectiveness of epoetin alfa therapy.
C. Platelet count. Epoetin alfa primarily affects red blood cell production and has no direct effect on platelet levels. Although polycythemia (excess red blood cells) can increase the risk of clot formation, platelet count is not the primary indicator of epoetin alfa’s therapeutic effects.
D. White blood cell count. Epoetin alfa does not impact white blood cell (WBC) production. Leukocyte production is regulated by different growth factors, and WBC monitoring is more relevant for conditions such as infections, chemotherapy-induced neutropenia, or bone marrow disorders.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E","F","G"]
Explanation
A. "Do not take more than 200 milligrams of this medication within 24 hours." This statement is correct for oral sumatriptan, which has a maximum recommended dose of 200 mg per 24 hours. Clients can take one 50 mg or 100 mg dose initially, and if the headache persists, a second dose can be taken after at least 2 hours, provided the total daily dose does not exceed 200 mg.
B. "You can take a second dose of this medication at least 2 hours after the initial dose if the headache persists." A second dose of sumatriptan can be taken at least 2 hours after the first dose if the headache has not fully resolved. However, if the headache persists after the maximum daily dose (200 mg), the client should not take additional doses and should seek medical evaluation.
C. "You should discontinue this medication if pregnancy is planned or suspected." Sumatriptan is classified as Pregnancy Category C, meaning its effects on fetal development are not well studied. Clients who are pregnant or planning to conceive should consult their healthcare provider before using this medication.
D. "You might experience a rash on your skin while taking this medication." Skin rash is not a common side effect of sumatriptan. If a rash develops, it could indicate an allergic reaction, which should be reported to a provider. However, routine monitoring for rashes is not necessary when taking sumatriptan.
E. "You might experience a feeling of pressure in your chest after taking this medication." Chest tightness or pressure is a known side effect of sumatriptan due to its vasoconstrictive effects. This sensation is usually temporary and not dangerous, but if it becomes severe or persistent, the client should seek medical attention to rule out cardiovascular complications.
F. "This medication can cause you to feel tired." Fatigue, drowsiness, and dizziness are common side effects of sumatriptan. Clients should be cautious when driving or operating machinery until they know how the medication affects them.
G. "This medication should start to alleviate the headache within 1 hour." Sumatriptan typically begins to relieve migraine symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes when taken orally. If the headache does not improve after 2 hours, a second dose may be taken, but the total daily dose should not exceed 200 mg.
Correct Answer is ["1"]
Explanation
Convert pounds to kilograms:
Conversion factor: 1 kg = 2.2 lb
=145 lb / 2.2 lb/kg
= 65.9 kg
Calculate the total daily dose:
Total daily dose (mg) = Weight (kg) × Dosage (mg/kg/day)
= 65.9 kg 3 mg/kg/day
= 197.7 mg/day
Calculate the dose per administration (divided into two doses):
Dose per administration (mg) = Total daily dose (mg) / Number of doses
=197.7 mg/day / 2 doses
= 98.85 mg/dose
Calculate the number of tablets per dose:
Number of tablets = Desired dose (mg) / Available dose (mg/tablet)
=98.85 mg/dose / 100 mg/tablet
= 0.9885 tablets
Round to the nearest whole number:
0.9885 tablets is 1 tablet
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