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

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Insert the needle at a 45° or 90° angle. Enoxaparin is administered subcutaneously, and subcutaneous injections should be given at either a 45° or 90° angle, depending on the client’s body size and the amount of subcutaneous tissue available. A 90° angle is typically used for clients with more subcutaneous tissue, while a 45° angle is appropriate for those with less.

B. Hold the skin taut during administration. When giving subcutaneous injections, the skin should be gently pinched rather than held taut. Pinching helps ensure the medication is delivered into the fatty tissue rather than the muscle, reducing the risk of intramuscular injection, which can increase bleeding risk with anticoagulants like enoxaparin.

C. Massage the injection site after administering the enoxaparin. Massaging the injection site is contraindicated because it can cause tissue irritation, bruising, and increased risk of bleeding. Instead, gentle pressure may be applied with a gauze pad if necessary to minimize bleeding.

D. Use a 4 cm (1.6 in) needle. A needle length of 4 cm (1.6 inches) is too long for a subcutaneous injection and increases the risk of intramuscular administration, which could lead to increased bleeding and bruising. The recommended needle length for subcutaneous injections is typically ½ inch (1.25 cm) to ⅝ inch (1.6 cm) to ensure proper medication delivery.

A. Diphenhydramine B. Docusate sodium C. Ibuprofen D. Glucosamine

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Diphenhydramine. Diphenhydramine is a first-generation antihistamine with anticholinergic properties that can increase the risk of central nervous system (CNS) depression when taken with haloperidol. Both drugs can cause sedation, confusion, and impaired coordination, increasing the risk of falls and other complications. Additionally, combining them can worsen extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) or lead to anticholinergic toxicity, making it an unsafe combination.

B. Docusate sodium. Docusate sodium is a stool softener used to prevent constipation. Haloperidol can cause constipation as a side effect due to its anticholinergic properties, so docusate sodium is safe and may even be beneficial in preventing bowel complications.

C. Ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain and inflammation. While it does not have a direct interaction with haloperidol, it should be used with caution in clients with a history of gastrointestinal issues or kidney disease. However, it does not pose a significant risk when taken alongside haloperidol.

D. Glucosamine. Glucosamine is a dietary supplement used to support joint health. It does not interact with haloperidol and does not have sedative or CNS effects. Clients taking haloperidol can safely use glucosamine if needed.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

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