Final answer:
Patients taking Epoetin alfa must be monitored for signs of polycythemia, hypertension, thrombosis, and potential adverse effects such as high fever, hypotension, and disseminated intravascular coagulation, to prevent complications like organ failure and to ensure safe treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Clients taking Epoetin alfa, a synthetic form of erythropoietin (EPO), should be closely monitored due to the potential risks associated with its usage. EPO is a hormone that promotes the production of red blood cells (RBCs), which can increase oxygen delivery to tissues, but can also lead to an increase in hematocrit levels. Elevated hematocrit can result in blood viscosity, higher resistance to blood flow, and can strain the heart. It is essential to monitor patients for signs of polycythemia, a condition where there is an abnormal increase in the proportion of RBCs in the blood, which can lead to several complications, including hypertension, thrombosis, and in severe cases, heart failure or stroke.
The main side effects and risks to watch for include high fever, hypotension, headache, body aches, nausea and vomiting, and petechial rash. Severe complications such as disseminated intravascular coagulation can lead to organ failure and warrant immediate medical attention. Monitoring should include regular checks of blood pressure, hematocrit levels, and signs of organ dysfunction to ensure the safe and effective use of Epoetin alfa.