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?

A. Hypertension. Filgrastim, a granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), primarily stimulates white blood cell production. While minor blood pressure fluctuations can occur, hypertension is not a common or significant adverse effect. Monitoring blood pressure is important, but sustained hypertension is not expected.

B. Fluid retention. Filgrastim does not typically cause significant fluid retention. Medications such as corticosteroids or certain chemotherapeutic agents are more likely to lead to fluid overload. While rare cases of capillary leak syndrome have been reported, general fluid retention is not a primary concern.

C. Bone pain. Bone pain is the most common adverse effect of filgrastim. The medication stimulates bone marrow activity, leading to increased production of neutrophils, which can cause discomfort in bones, particularly in long bones such as the femur and sternum. Pain is usually mild to moderate and can be managed with acetaminophen or NSAIDs if appropriate.

D. Hypokalemia. Filgrastim does not have a direct effect on potassium levels. Electrolyte imbalances are more commonly associated with diuretics, corticosteroids, or chemotherapy. Clients on filgrastim typically do not require routine potassium monitoring unless other risk factors are present.

A. Breastfeeding. Ceftriaxone is generally considered safe during breastfeeding because only a small amount is excreted in breast milk. While monitoring for gastrointestinal disturbances or thrush in the infant is advised, breastfeeding is not a contraindication for ceftriaxone use.

B. Client allergy. The client has a penicillin allergy, which raises concerns about cross-reactivity with cephalosporins, including ceftriaxone. Although the cross-reactivity rate is low, clients with a history of severe allergic reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis, angioedema, or urticaria) to penicillin should avoid cephalosporins. The nurse should clarify the nature of the penicillin allergy before administering ceftriaxone.

C. Gentamycin prescription. Ceftriaxone and gentamicin are both nephrotoxic, and using them together increases the risk of kidney damage. The client should be monitored for renal function impairment, and alternative antibiotic therapy may be considered if necessary. The nurse should discuss this potential drug interaction with the provider before administration.

D. Hematocrit. The client’s hematocrit (32%) is low but does not require withholding ceftriaxone. A slightly decreased hematocrit is expected postpartum, especially in cases of infection or recent delivery. Ceftriaxone is not known to cause significant hematologic suppression that would make this a contraindication.

E. Hemoglobin. The client’s hemoglobin (9 g/dL) is lower than normal, likely due to postpartum blood loss or infection-related inflammation. However, ceftriaxone does not directly affect hemoglobin levels, so this is not a reason to withhold the medication.