The nurse is caring for a client who has chronic renal disease and is receiving therapy with erythropoietin (epoetin alpha). Which of the following laboratory results should the nurse review as an indication of a therapeutic effect of this medication?
Leukocytes
Hemoglobin
Platelets
Brain Natriuretic peptide
The Correct Answer is B
A. Leukocytes: Erythropoietin does not affect white blood cell (WBC) production.
B. Hemoglobin: Erythropoietin stimulates red blood cell (RBC) production in the bone marrow. Clients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) develop anemia due to decreased natural erythropoietin production. A therapeutic response is seen as an increase in hemoglobin levels.
C. Platelets: Erythropoietin does not stimulate platelet production (thrombopoiesis).
D. Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP): BNP is a marker for heart failure, not erythropoiesis.
Nursing Test Bank
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"A","dropdown-group-2":"E"}
Explanation
Respiratory acidosis- Due to opioid-induced respiratory depression (hypoventilation, CO₂ retention). Phlebitis- Due to IV therapy (15g IV and 0.9% NS at 150mL/hr), increasing the risk of vein irritation and inflammation.
Incorrect answers:
- Metabolic alkalosis: typically occurs due to vomiting or excessive bicarbonate intake.
- Hypervolemia: The client is receiving IV fluids, but there is no evidence of fluid overload.
- Osteomyelitis: Infection of the bone; not a direct risk in this scenario.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Prepare the client for dialysis: A potassium level of 8.3 mEq/L is critically high (normal range: 3.5–5.3 mEq/L), putting the client at immediate risk for life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias (e.g., ventricular fibrillation). Emergency dialysis is needed to remove excess potassium if other interventions (e.g., insulin, calcium gluconate) fail.
B. Start an IV and run normal saline at 50mL/hour: Fluid administration alone does not lower potassium quickly enough in a life-threatening situation.
C. Repeat the electrolyte values later in the day: Delaying treatment would increase the risk of cardiac arrest.
D. Monitor urine output: Although important, monitoring alone does not treat the emergency. Clients with acute renal failure often have little to no urine output.
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