A patient with aplastic anemia is to receive an injection of erythropoietin (Epogen). The patient asks what the injection is intended to do. Which of the following responses by the nurse is best?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Erythropoietin (Epogen) is a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells by the bone marrow. This will help to counteract the anemia caused by aplastic anemia, which is characterized by decreased production of all three blood cell types (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets). Option A is incorrect because erythropoietin does not work like a blood transfusion, which directly provides red blood cells to the patient. Option B is incorrect because aplastic anemia is not caused by a protein attacking the patient's blood cells. Option D is incorrect because erythropoietin does not directly provide energy to the patient; it helps to increase the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood so that the patient can feel less tired and fatigued.

A Patient with Aplastic Anemia Is to Receive an Injection