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.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. "Limit potassium-containing foods in your diet." Long-term prednisone use can lead to hypokalemia (low potassium levels) due to its mineralocorticoid effects, which increase potassium excretion. Clients on chronic corticosteroid therapy may actually need to consume potassium-rich foods to help maintain electrolyte balance, rather than restricting them.

B. "Withhold prednisone for 48 hours prior to receiving contrast dye." There is no general recommendation to withhold prednisone before contrast dye administration. However, clients on long-term steroid therapy may require stress-dose steroids if undergoing procedures that could trigger an adrenal crisis. Withholding prednisone without provider guidance could increase the risk of adrenal insufficiency.

C. "Measure your blood glucose levels periodically." Prednisone can cause hyperglycemia by increasing insulin resistance and promoting gluconeogenesis. Clients, especially those with diabetes or at risk for metabolic syndrome, should monitor blood glucose levels regularly to detect potential steroid-induced diabetes. Adjustments in diet or medication may be needed based on blood glucose trends.

D. "Take prednisone on an empty stomach." Taking prednisone on an empty stomach can increase the risk of gastrointestinal irritation, ulcers, and gastritis. It should be taken with food or milk to help reduce stomach irritation and minimize gastrointestinal side effects. Clients should be advised to follow this guideline to prevent discomfort and potential complications.

A. The client had a local reaction from a previous immunization B. The client reports having diarrhea this morning C. The client is at 9 weeks of gestation D. The client reports an allergy to penicillin.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. The client had a local reaction from a previous immunization. A mild local reaction, such as redness or swelling at the injection site, is not a contraindication to receiving the MMR vaccine. These reactions are common and typically resolve without complications. Only severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, would warrant withholding the vaccine.

B. The client reports having diarrhea this morning. Mild illnesses, such as diarrhea or the common cold, do not contraindicate vaccination. The MMR vaccine can be safely administered as long as the client does not have a moderate to severe illness with fever. Delaying immunization due to minor illnesses could lead to unnecessary gaps in vaccine coverage.

C. The client is at 9 weeks of gestation. The MMR vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine and is contraindicated during pregnancy due to the theoretical risk of fetal harm. Pregnant individuals should wait until after delivery to receive the vaccine. If a client of childbearing age is vaccinated, they should be advised to avoid pregnancy for at least 4 weeks following immunization to reduce the risk of congenital rubella syndrome.

D. The client reports an allergy to penicillin. A penicillin allergy is not a contraindication for the MMR vaccine. The MMR vaccine does not contain penicillin or related antibiotics. Severe allergic reactions to vaccine components, such as neomycin or gelatin, would be more relevant contraindications. Clients with a penicillin allergy can safely receive the MMR vaccine without concern.

View Question and Answer

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

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

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has COPD and has been taking long-term high doses of prednisone. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse in a clinic is preparing to administer the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine to a client. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client has a contraindication for the MMR vaccine?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is reinforcing teaching about fluticasone topical lotion with the parent of a 9-month-old infant who has atopic dermatitis on the wrist. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

A nurse in a provider's office is collecting data from a client who continues to have a migraine headache after taking sumatriptan orally 2 hr ago. Which of the following findings is the priority for the nurse to report?

A nurse is collecting data from a client before administering a hepatitis B immunization. The nurse should withhold the immunization if the client is allergic to which of the following substances?

A nurse is caring for a client who has chronic liver disease. Which of the following medications should the nurse recognize as appropriate for this client?

A nurse is collecting data from a client who is taking prednisone and self-administers insulin daily. The nurse should identify that which of the following findings indicates a medication interaction?

A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who is to start therapy with furosemide. The nurse determines that the teaching is effective when the client states he will increase intake of which of the following foods?

A nurse is planning care for a client who has angina and a new prescription for nitroglycerin ointment. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

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?