A nurse is reviewing the laboratory data of a client who is receiving filgrastim. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment?
INR
Potassium level
WBC count
BUN
The Correct Answer is C
A. INR (International Normalized Ratio): INR is a measure of blood clotting and is not directly affected by filgrastim, which stimulates the production of white blood cells. Monitoring INR is more relevant when assessing anticoagulant therapy.
B. Potassium level: Filgrastim does not directly influence potassium levels. Monitoring potassium is important for certain medications and conditions, but it is not the primary parameter to evaluate the effectiveness of filgrastim.
C. WBC count: Filgrastim (granulocyte colony-stimulating factor) is used to stimulate the production of white blood cells, specifically neutrophils. Monitoring the white blood cell count is crucial in evaluating the effectiveness of filgrastim treatment. An increase in the WBC count, particularly the neutrophil count, indicates a positive response to the medication.
D. BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen): BUN is a measure of kidney function and is not directly influenced by filgrastim. While monitoring kidney function is important in general patient care, it is not the primary parameter to assess the effectiveness of filgrastim.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "I should take this medication with 8 ounces of milk." This statement is incorrect. Calcium-containing substances, such as milk, can interfere with the absorption of iron. It's generally recommended to take iron supplements on an empty stomach or with vitamin C-containing foods to enhance absorption.
B. "I should take an antacid with this medication to prevent stomach upset." This statement is also incorrect. Antacids can reduce the absorption of iron. It's advisable to take iron supplements separately from antacids to optimize absorption.
C. "I should notify my provider if my stools turn black." (Correct Answer) This statement is correct. Iron supplements can cause stools to appear black or dark green. This is a common and harmless side effect related to the change in the color of iron in the gastrointestinal tract. However, it's important for the client to notify the healthcare provider to rule out any potential bleeding issues.
D. "I should stay upright for at least 15 minutes after taking this medication." This statement is not specific to ferrous gluconate. However, it may be relevant for medications that can cause esophageal irritation or reflux. In the case of ferrous gluconate, the primary concern is optimizing absorption by taking it on an empty stomach or with vitamin C-containing foods.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Urine specific gravity 1.020: While this value indicates concentrated urine and can be useful in assessing dehydration, it doesn’t specifically confirm effective treatment. High urine specific gravity suggests dehydration because the kidneys are conserving water, but it doesn’t directly confirm the effectiveness of treatment.
B. BUN 28 mg/dl (Blood Urea Nitrogen): Elevated BUN levels can be seen in dehydration, but it's not a direct marker of effective treatment. It indicates dehydration due to increased urea concentration in the blood but doesn’t confirm if the treatment has been effective or not.
C. Serum hematocrit 55%: In dehydration, the blood becomes more concentrated due to water loss, causing an increase in hematocrit levels. However, while this value might indicate dehydration initially, it may not specifically confirm the effectiveness of treatment once initiated.
D. Serum osmolarity 310 mOsm: Serum osmolarity measures the concentration of particles in the blood. In dehydration, the blood becomes more concentrated, leading to increased serum osmolarity. When treatment is effective, rehydration occurs, diluting the blood and bringing serum osmolarity back toward normal levels. Therefore, a decrease in serum osmolarity towards the normal range (280-300 mOsm) would indicate effective treatment of dehydration
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