Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 65%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a client who has chronic renal disease and is receiving therapy with epoetin alfa. Which of the following laboratory results would the nurse assess for to determine therapeutic effectiveness?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
The correct answer is B: Hemoglobin & hematocrit. Epoetin alfa is a medication used to stimulate red blood cell production in patients with chronic renal disease. Monitoring hemoglobin and hematocrit levels is essential to assess the effectiveness of the therapy, as these values indicate the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. An increase in hemoglobin and hematocrit levels suggests that the medication is working to improve anemia associated with chronic renal disease.
Rationale for other choices:
A: Clotting Factors - Not directly related to the therapeutic effectiveness of epoetin alfa in chronic renal disease.
C: Leukocyte count - Not relevant for monitoring the effectiveness of epoetin alfa therapy in chronic renal disease.
D: ALT & AST - Measure liver function, not specifically related to monitoring the effectiveness of epoetin alfa therapy.
Rationale for other choices:
A: Clotting Factors - Not directly related to the therapeutic effectiveness of epoetin alfa in chronic renal disease.
C: Leukocyte count - Not relevant for monitoring the effectiveness of epoetin alfa therapy in chronic renal disease.
D: ALT & AST - Measure liver function, not specifically related to monitoring the effectiveness of epoetin alfa therapy.