A patient, who is a Jehovah's Witness, is scheduled for an elective knee arthroplasty.The patient has a hemoglobin (Hgb)10.4 g/dL and hematocrit (HCT)30.8%.Which medication should be administered prior to surgery to improve the patient's Hgb and HCT?
A)Efavirenz (Sustiva)
B)Enalapril (Vasotec)
C)Epoetin alpha (Epogen, Procrit)
D)Erythromycin

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Epoetin alpha is a medication that stimulates the production of red blood cells, which can improve a patient's Hgb and HCT levels prior to surgery. This is the best choice for a Jehovah's Witness patient who refuses blood transfusions. Efavirenz, Enalapril, and Erythromycin do not have any effect on Hgb or HCT levels.

A Patient, Who Is a Jehovah's Witness, Is Scheduled for an Elective