Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 94%
Full-length
The nurse is caring for a client with a history of chronic kidney disease who is receiving epoetin alfa (Epogen). Which of the following laboratory results would be of GREATest concern to the nurse?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
A hemoglobin of 14 g/dL is too high for epoetin alfa therapy, increasing the risk of hypertension and thrombosis, requiring dose adjustment. Options B, C, and D are expected: potassium 4.5 mEq/L and calcium 9.0 mg/dL are normal, and creatinine 3.0 mg/dL is consistent with chronic kidney disease.