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 C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Monitoring calcium levels is important after administering calcium gluconate IV, but it is not the primary indicator of the medication's effectiveness in treating hyperkalemia. Calcium gluconate is used in hyperkalemia to stabilize the heart muscle, not to correct calcium levels.
Choice B rationale
Neurologic status may be affected by hyperkalemia, but changes in neurologic status are not the most direct measure of calcium gluconate's effectiveness. The medication's primary role is to address cardiac risks associated with high potassium levels.
Choice C rationale
Cardiac rhythm is the most critical aspect to monitor after administering calcium gluconate for hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia can cause life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias, and calcium gluconate works by stabilizing the cardiac membrane, thus the effectiveness of the treatment is directly reflected in the stabilization of the cardiac rhythm.
Choice D rationale
While urine volume can indicate kidney function and might indirectly reflect changes in potassium levels, it is not the direct measure of calcium gluconate's effectiveness in the emergency treatment of hyperkalemia.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Elevated blood pressure is a common finding in cardiovascular conditions but is not specifically indicated by the presence of crackles, dyspnea on exertion, or an S3 gallop.
Choice B rationale
A decreased respiratory rate is not typically associated with the presence of crackles and dyspnea; these symptoms are more indicative of increased work of breathing and potential fluid overload.
Choice C rationale
Pitting edema is a classic sign of fluid retention, which can be associated with heart failure. The presence of crackles, dyspnea on exertion, and an S3 gallop are clinical indicators that suggest heart failure, making pitting edema a likely finding.
Choice D rationale
An irregular pulse may be found in various cardiac conditions but is not directly suggested by the symptoms described. The presence of an S3 gallop is more indicative of heart failure, which is commonly associated with fluid overload signs such as pitting edema.
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