A patient coming to the clinic for a weekly infusion of darbepoetin alpha (Aranesp)has all of the following changes.For which change should you hold the dose of the drug?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Because these drugs increase blood cell production,the blood becomes more viscous (thicker).This effect raises blood pressure,increases clot formation,and slows blood movement through small vessels.This patient is hypertensive,so the next dose of darbepoetin can increase the pressure to dangerous levels and greatly increase the risk for stroke and heart attack.The drug should not be administered until the patient's blood pressure is in the normal range.

A Patient Coming to the Clinic for a Weekly Infusion