The nurse is reviewing lab work prior to administering a client's regularly scheduled subcutaneous injection of epoetin alfa. The nurse notes that the client's hematocrit has dropped from the last time lab was drawn. Which action by the nurse is the most appropriate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Rationale 1: Some clients with chronic renal failure develop neutralizing antibodies to subcutaneous epoetin alfa, which can lead to a rapidly developing severe anemia known as pure red cell aplasia.
Rationale 2: If the client is developing pure red cell aplasia, waiting until tomorrow could be a critical error.
Rationale 3: The epoetin alfa should be held.
Rationale 4: Asking how the client has been feeling is the first step in assessing whether anemia is developing.
Rationale 5: A decrease in hematocrit is not the expected effect of administering epoetin alfa and may signal a severe adverse effect. The lab result should be verified.

The Nurse Is Reviewing Lab Work Prior to Administering a Client's