A patient who has leukemia is receiving chemotherapy and develops severe anemia. The provider has ordered hospitalization and blood transfusions. The patient asks the nurse about using erythropoietin (epoetin alfa) instead. What will the nurse tell this patient?
A) "Ask your provider about ordering erythropoietin instead of a transfusion."
B) "Erythropoietin (epoetin alfa) can make your leukemia worse."
C) "Erythropoietin is used to prolong life in patients with myeloid malignancies."
D) "You will probably receive erythropoietin along with the transfusion."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Erythropoietin is used to stimulate erythrocyte production but can also stimulate proliferation of cancers in patients with leukemia and other myeloid malignancies. It is used when the goal is palliation, not to cure or to prolong life.

A Patient Who Has Leukemia Is Receiving Chemotherapy and Develops