A nurse is assessing a client who has a heart rate of 40/min. The client is diaphoretic and has chest pain. Which of the following medications should the nurse plan to administer?

Choice A Reason

Review the client’s Hgb level prior to administration. This is the correct action. Monitoring hemoglobin (Hgb) levels is crucial before administering epoetin because it helps determine the appropriate dosage and ensures the treatment is safe and effective. Epoetin is used to stimulate red blood cell production, and administering it without checking Hgb levels can lead to complications such as hypertension or thromboembolic events if the Hgb level is too high.

Choice B Reason

Use the Z-track method when administering the medication. This statement is incorrect. The Z-track method is used for intramuscular injections to prevent medication from leaking into subcutaneous tissues. Epoetin is typically administered subcutaneously or intravenously, not intramuscularly, so the Z-track method is not applicable.

Choice C Reason

Shake the vial for 30 seconds prior to withdrawing the medication. This statement is incorrect. Shaking the vial of epoetin can damage the protein structure of the medication, rendering it ineffective. The vial should be gently swirled if necessary, but not shaken.

Choice D Reason

Ensure the client is not taking iron supplements while on this medication. This statement is incorrect. Iron supplements are often necessary when administering epoetin because iron is required for the production of hemoglobin. Ensuring adequate iron levels helps maximize the effectiveness of epoetin therapy.

Choice A Reason

Request a prescription for an antibiotic. This intervention is not typically included in the standard care plan for all COPD patients. Antibiotics are generally reserved for cases of acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) with signs of bacterial infection, such as increased dyspnea, increased sputum purulence, and increased sputum volume. Routine use of antibiotics without these signs is not recommended.

Choice B Reason

Educate the client on pursed-lip breathing. This is the correct intervention. Pursed-lip breathing is a technique that helps improve ventilation, release trapped air in the lungs, and reduce the work of breathing. It is particularly beneficial for patients with COPD as it helps them manage shortness of breath and improve their breathing efficiency.

Choice C Reason

Place the client on airborne precautions. This intervention is incorrect. COPD is not an infectious disease that requires airborne precautions. Airborne precautions are used for diseases that are transmitted through the air, such as tuberculosis. COPD management focuses on improving lung function and preventing exacerbations.

Choice D Reason

Initiate oxygen therapy for SpO₂ of 92%. This intervention is partially correct but needs clarification. Oxygen therapy is typically initiated for COPD patients with chronic hypoxemia, usually when SpO₂ is less than 88-90%. An SpO₂ of 92% may not necessarily require oxygen therapy unless the patient is experiencing significant symptoms or has other comorbid conditions.