A 55-year-old patient with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is scheduled to receive a prescribed dose of epoetin alfa (Procrit). Which statement should the nurse include in her teaching about this medication?
"This medication will need to be stored at room temperature."
"This medication is being given because your kidneys are not properly producing erythropoietin."
"This medication will delay your need for dialysis as long as you take it."
"This medication will help prevent your AV fistula from clotting."
The Correct Answer is B
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
This method is the standard procedure for obtaining a clean-catch midstream urine specimen. The initial voiding washes away organisms near the meatus, and the midstream urine is less likely to be contaminated by bacteria from the skin or urethral area, providing a sample that more accurately represents the bacteria in the bladder.
Choice B rationale
Having the patient empty the bladder completely and then obtaining the next specimen does not ensure a clean-catch sample. This method could lead to contamination of the specimen with bacteria from the skin or urethral area.
Choice C rationale
Cleaning the area with povidone-iodine is not recommended for routine urine culture as it may kill some of the bacteria, leading to a false-negative result. The standard practice is to clean the area with mild soap and water.
Choice D rationale
Inserting a catheter is an invasive procedure and is not the first choice for obtaining a urine specimen. It is used when a patient is unable to provide a clean-catch specimen or if there are specific medical indications.
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