Question

A nurse is analyzing the laboratory results of a client with chronic renal failure who is receiving epoetin alfa (Epogen). The nurse interprets that the medication is having the expected effect if the results indicate an increase in which of the following levels?

a) red blood cells
b) potassium
c) creatinine
d) phosphorus

Answer 1

A nurse can interpret that epoetin alfa (Epogen) is effective if there is an increase in red blood cells in a client with chronic renal failure.

Step-by-step explanation:

The medication epoetin alfa (Epogen) is used in the treatment of anemia, particularly in the context of chronic renal failure where the kidneys cannot produce enough erythropoietin (EPO). EPO is a critical hormone for the production of red blood cells. As such, when a nurse analyzes a client's laboratory results and sees an increase in red blood cell levels, this indicates the medication is having the expected effect. An increase in potassium, creatinine, or phosphorus does not directly correspond to the efficacy of epoetin alfa in treating anemia.