Question

The nurse provides information to a nursing student about the administration of erythropoietin (EPO) therapy to a patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Which statement made by the nursing student indicates effective learning?

A. "EPO benefits a patient with plasma ferritin concentrations less than 100 mg/mL."
B. "EPO should be administered in higher doses to a patient with low hemoglobin levels."
C. "EPO, iron, sucrose, and folic acid of 1 mg/day should be administered to patients undergoing hemodialysis."
D. "EPO can be safely given to a patient that takes an antihypertensive and maintains a blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg."

Answer 1

The correct statement by a nursing student about EPO therapy for CKD patients is that EPO can be safely given if the patient is on antihypertensives and maintains a blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg, implying the student understands the importance of monitoring blood pressure during EPO administration.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct statement that indicates effective learning by a nursing student about the administration of erythropoietin (EPO) therapy to a patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is: "EPO can be safely given to a patient that takes an antihypertensive and maintains a blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg." This is an accurate statement given that EPO therapy is often used in managing the anemia associated with CKD, although it should be noted that blood pressure should be carefully controlled and monitored when administering EPO. Statement A is incorrect because EPO therapy is not dependent on plasma ferritin concentrations. Statement B is inaccurate as dosing of EPO is not simply based on low hemoglobin levels but must be calibrated based on the individual patient’s response and medical condition. Statement C is partially correct regarding the substances administered to patients undergoing hemodialysis, but it does not accurately describe EPO administration specifics.