An older client is scheduled to have hip replacement in 2 months and has the following laboratory values: white blood cell count: 8900/mm³,red blood cell count: 3.2/mm³,hemoglobin: 9 g/dL,hematocrit: 32%.What intervention by the nurse is most appropriate?

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This client is anemic,which needs correction prior to surgery.While eating iron-rich foods is helpful,to increase the client's red blood cells,hemoglobin,and hematocrit within 2 months,epoetin alfa is needed.This colony-stimulating factor will encourage the production of red cells.The client's white blood cell count is normal,so avoiding infection is not the priority.

An Older Client Is Scheduled to Have Hip Replacement in 2