A nurse is caring for a client who has been receiving epoetin alfa in preparation for a hip arthroplasty. Which of the following findings indicate that the medication has been effective?
Hemoglobin 11 g/dL
WBC count 9,000/mm3
Total calcium 10 mg/dL
PT 12 seconds
The Correct Answer is A
Epoetin alfa is a medication used to stimulate erythropoiesis, the production of red blood cells. An increase in the client's hemoglobin level indicates that the medication has been effective. The normal range of hemoglobin for adult females is 12-16 g/dL and for adult males is 13.5-17.5 g/dL. A hemoglobin level of 11 g/dL is slightly below the normal range, but it is an improvement from a lower level. Choice B, WBC count 9,000/mm3 is unrelated to the medication and is within the normal range. Choice
C, total calcium 10 mg/dL, and choice D, PT 12 seconds, are also unrelated to the medication and are within the normal range.
Choice B (WBC count 9,000/mm3) is not an answer because it is unrelated to the medication and is within the normal range.
Choice C (total calcium 10 mg/dL) is not an answer because it is unrelated to the medication and is within the normal range.
Choice D (PT 12 seconds) is not an answer because it is unrelated to the medication and is within the normal range.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The nurse should perform neurovascular checks of the affected extremity every 2 hours to monitor for any signs of compartment syndrome or impaired circulation. It is important to assess for the five Ps: pain, pulse, pallor, paresthesia, and paralysis. Using a hair dryer to relieve itching can cause burns and is not a recommended intervention. Positioning the fractured arm below the level of the client's heart can increase swelling and exacerbate pain. Immobilizing the client's fingers using a hand splint is not indicated unless there is a finger fracture or injury.
Choice A (Use a hair dryer to blow hot air into the cast to relieve itching) is not an answer because it can cause burns and is not a recommended intervention.
Choice C (Position the fractured arm below the level of the client's heart) is not an answer because it can increase swelling and exacerbate pain.
Choice D (Immobilize the client's fingers using a hand splint) is not an answer because it is not indicated unless there is a finger fracture or injury.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Answer is: d. Reposition the client.
Explanation: Repositioning the client can help alleviate pain by redistributing pressure and promoting comfort. Since the client's pain level is relatively low (2 on a scale of 0 to 10), this non-pharmacological intervention is an appropriate initial action.
Choice a. is wrong because maintaining the client on bed rest is not an appropriate action for a pain level of 2. Instead, the nurse should encourage the client to mobilize and perform appropriate exercises to prevent complications related to immobility.
Choice b. is wrong because applying a warm, moist compress to the incision area might not be the best action for a client who is 24 hours postoperative, as it could increase the risk of infection and cause discomfort. Cold compresses are often used in the initial postoperative period to reduce swelling and promote comfort.
Choice c. is wrong because administering an additional dose of pain medication is not necessary at this point, as the client's pain level is relatively low. The nurse should consider non-pharmacological interventions first and reassess the client's pain level to determine the need for further pain relief.
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