Your cancer patient has bone marrow suppression from their chemotherapy treatments, and is scheduled to receive Epoetin Alfa shots 3 times per week. Which of the following lab values would cause you to hold the administration of the medication for safety concerns?
Hgb of less than 11
aPTT of 120 seconds
Hgb of more than 11
PT/INR of 3.5
The Correct Answer is C
A. Epoetin Alfa is typically used to treat anemia, and it is often indicated when hemoglobin (Hgb) levels are below 11 g/dL. Therefore, if the Hgb is less than 11, it would be appropriate to administer the medication to help increase red blood cell production.
B. Do not hold. An activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) of 120 seconds indicates a prolonged coagulation time, which increases the risk of bleeding. However, Epoetin Alfa does not have a direct impact on coagulation, so this value alone would not warrant holding the medication.
C. Epoetin Alfa is generally not indicated if the Hgb level is already above 11 g/dL, particularly if there’s a risk of increasing the Hgb above the recommended therapeutic range (often above 12 g/dL). If the Hgb exceeds this level, the medication should be held to prevent complications such as thromboembolic events.
D. A PT/INR of 3.5 indicates a significantly prolonged prothrombin time, suggesting a high risk of bleeding. However, Epoetin Alfa does not directly cause bleeding.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. While rinsing fruits is good practice, it may not fully eliminate the risk of pathogens, especially for someone with a compromised immune system.
B. This statement is the best indication of understanding how to prevent infections. Changing kitty litter can expose the client to Toxoplasma gondii, which is particularly risky for immunocompromised individuals. Wearing gloves is a direct and effective precaution.
C. Although wearing an N95 mask can be appropriate in certain situations, it may not be necessary for all interactions with sick family members. A standard surgical mask is often sufficient.
D. Cooking vegetables is a good practice for food safety, especially for immunocompromised individuals, but this statement is more general than specifically addressing a particular risk.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. This statement is not typically related to rheumatoid arthritis. RA does not cause low blood sugar directly. While medications or other conditions might affect blood sugar levels, this is not a common symptom or concern specific to RA.
B. Morning stiffness is a hallmark symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. Patients often report increased stiffness and discomfort in their joints upon waking, which can improve with activity throughout the day.
C. While some individuals might gain weight due to reduced physical activity or medication side effects (like corticosteroids), weight loss is also common due to pain and decreased mobility. Thus, this statement is not universally applicable.
D. Abdominal pain is not a primary symptom of RA. However, certain medications used to treat RA, like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, but this is not a direct result of the disease itself.
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