The nurse is providing Epogen (epoetin) subcutaneously to a client with chronic kidney disease. Which of the following would indicate that the therapy is effective? Select all that apply.
A) The client's hematocrit rises from 27.4 to 32.9%.
B) The client's serum creatinine falls from 5.6 mg/dL to 4.9 mg/dL.
C) The client reports decreased fatigue and dyspnea.
D) The client reports 500 mL of urine output in a 24-hr period.
E) The client's WBC = 7.4 u/L.
F) The client has remained afebrile for 2 wk.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A) The rise in hematocrit indicates an increase in red blood cells, which is the therapeutic effect of Epogen, as it stimulates erythropoiesis to treat anemia in clients with chronic kidney disease.
C) Decreased fatigue and dyspnea suggest improved oxygenation, which can be attributed to the rise in hematocrit and improved treatment of anemia.

B, D, E, and F do not directly indicate the effectiveness of Epogen therapy. A fall in serum creatinine may indicate improved kidney function, increased urine output may indicate improved renal perfusion, normal WBC count and absence of fever may indicate absence of infection or inflammation, but these changes are not specific to the therapeutic effect of Epogen.

The Nurse Is Providing Epogen (Epoetin) Subcutaneously to a Client