A 42-year-old patient is newly diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The patient asks, "Can this be cured?" Which of the following treatment goals are appropriate for a patient with IBD? (Select all that apply.)

Choice A rationale
Storing the medication at room temperature is a practical instruction but does not explain the therapeutic purpose of the medication, which is essential for patient understanding.

Choice B rationale
Epoetin alfa (Procrit) is used to treat anemia associated with chronic kidney disease by supplementing erythropoietin, a hormone the damaged kidneys can no longer produce effectively. This is the most informative statement for the patient's understanding of the medication's purpose.

Choice C rationale
While epoetin alfa can improve anemia and potentially improve quality of life, it does not directly delay the need for dialysis, which is determined by overall kidney function and not solely by the presence of anemia.

Choice D rationale
Epoetin alfa does not have a role in preventing AV fistula clotting. It is specifically used to stimulate red blood cell production and has no direct effect on clotting mechanisms.

Choice A rationale
The red blood cell (RBC) count is not typically affected by hemodialysis. Hemodialysis is a process that primarily targets the removal of waste products and excess fluid from the blood, not red blood cells.

Choice B rationale
Potassium levels are often elevated in clients with renal failure due to the kidneys' inability to excrete potassium. Hemodialysis helps to remove excess potassium from the bloodstream, thereby decreasing its levels.

Choice C rationale
Calcium levels can be affected by hemodialysis; however, they are more often managed with medication and diet rather than being directly targeted by the dialysis process itself.

Choice D rationale
Protein levels should not decrease significantly as a result of hemodialysis. The dialysis membrane is designed to allow small waste products to pass through while retaining larger molecules like proteins.