Final answer:
Epoetin alfa is a synthetic form of erythropoietin (EPO), which treats anemia in kidney failure patients by increasing hemoglobin (Hgb) levels through stimulation of red blood cell production in the bone marrow.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student has asked about the therapeutic effect of epoetin alfa for a client with kidney failure. Epoetin alfa is a synthetic form of erythropoietin (EPO), which is a hormone produced primarily by the kidneys. EPO stimulates the bone marrow to produce more erythrocytes (red blood cells), which are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Patients with kidney failure may suffer from anemia due to a deficit in EPO production, and administering epoetin alfa can help alleviate this anemia by increasing hemoglobin (Hgb) levels, which correlates with red blood cell count.
Therefore, the therapeutic effect of epoetin alfa for someone with kidney failure is B) Increased Hgb. This directly addresses the anemia by boosting the production of erythrocytes, leading to higher hemoglobin levels and improved oxygen delivery to tissues.