A client with chronic kidney disease has chronic anemia. What pharmacologic alternative to blood transfusion may be used for this patient?

A. Monitoring the patient's breathing and reviewing the patient's arterial blood gases:
Rationale: While respiratory status is crucial in any patient assessment, arterial blood gases primarily evaluate respiratory function. Neutropenia directly affects the immune system, not respiratory function.
Appropriateness: Not directly related to assessing neutropenia.

B. Monitoring the patient's temperature and reviewing the patient's complete blood count with differential:
Rationale: Neutropenia can cause fever due to the increased risk of infection. Monitoring temperature and reviewing the complete blood count (CBC) with differential, specifically the neutrophil count, is essential in evaluating neutropenia and identifying potential infections.
Appropriateness: Correct. Monitoring temperature and reviewing CBC with differential are crucial in assessing neutropenia.

C. Monitoring the patient's blood pressure and reviewing the patient's hematocrit:
Rationale: Blood pressure assessment and hematocrit evaluation are essential aspects of general patient care but are not specific to neutropenia.
Appropriateness: Not directly related to assessing neutropenia.

D. Monitoring the patient's heart rate and reviewing the patient's hemoglobin:
Rationale: Heart rate monitoring and hemoglobin assessment are crucial in various clinical situations but are not specific indicators of neutropenia.
Appropriateness: Not directly related to assessing neutropenia.

A. Increase the intake of vitamin E to enhance absorption:
While vitamin C can enhance iron absorption, vitamin E does not play a significant role in iron absorption. Vitamin C-rich foods can be advised to enhance iron absorption.

B. Iron will cause the stools to darken in color:
This statement is accurate. Iron supplements can cause stools to appear darker in color, often black or greenish-black. This change in stool color is normal and expected when taking iron supplements.

C. Take the iron with dairy products to enhance absorption:
Dairy products can inhibit iron absorption. It's better to take iron supplements with vitamin C-rich foods or orange juice to enhance absorption.

D. Limit foods high in fiber due to the risk for diarrhea:
Fiber-rich foods do not necessarily need to be limited when taking iron supplements. However, some individuals may experience constipation when taking iron supplements, in which case increasing fluid intake and dietary fiber can help alleviate constipation.