Question

A client with chronic renal failure has a new medication order for epoetin alfa (Epogen). The nurse plans to give this medication in which of the following ways?

a) with a full glass of water
b) diluted in juice to enhance taste
c) subcutaneously
d) with an antacid

Answer 1

Epoetin alfa (Epogen), a medication used to treat anemia in chronic renal failure, should be administered subcutaneously for effective treatment.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should plan to give the medication epoetin alfa (Epogen) subcutaneously. Epoetin alfa is a synthetic form of erythropoietin (EPO), which is a glycoprotein hormone secreted by the kidneys that stimulates the production of red blood cells (RBCs) in the bone marrow. Its medical use is primarily for the treatment of anemia, particularly in chronic renal failure, where the kidneys' ability to produce natural EPO is compromised.

Administration of EPO subcutaneously has been shown to be an effective route because it allows the medication to be slowly absorbed into the bloodstream, providing a sustained effect on erythropoiesis. This method increases the number of red blood cells, thereby increasing the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, which is crucial for patients with anemia due to kidney disease.