Final answer:
The nurse should consult with the healthcare provider before administering epoetin alfa to a patient with ESRD who has a hemoglobin level of 13 g/dL, as this could indicate sufficient or excessive red blood cell levels, posing potential health risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the choices provided, the information that indicates a nurse should consult with the healthcare provider before giving the prescribed epoetin alfa (Procrit) to a patient with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is the hemoglobin level of 13 g/dL. Epoetin alfa is used to treat anemia, which is a common complication of ESRD, by stimulating the production of red blood cells. The goal of therapy is to reach and maintain a hemoglobin level that reduces the need for red blood cell transfusions. According to treatment guidelines, if the patient's hemoglobin level is above 10 g/dL, the dose of epoetin alfa should be reevaluated as higher levels of hemoglobin could pose health risks, such as increased chances of cardiovascular events. In this case, the hemoglobin level of 13 g/dL might indicate that the patient already has sufficient red blood cells, so the administration of epoetin alfa might not be necessary or could potentially be harmful.
Option b with an oxygen saturation of 89% might also warrant consideration as it indicates hypoxemia, however, this is not directly related to the administration of epoetin alfa like the hemoglobin level is.