A nurse is caring for a client who has been taking epoetin alfa for 3 months.
Which of the following laboratory tests should the nurse monitor to determine the effectiveness of the medication?

Choice A rationale:

Levalbuterol is a short-acting beta agonist, which is commonly used for quick relief in an acute asthma attack.

Choice B rationale:

Cromolyn is used as a preventive treatment for asthma, not for treating an acute attack.

Choice C rationale:

Budesonide is a corticosteroid used for long-term control and prevention of symptoms, not for immediate relief during an acute asthma attack.

Choice D rationale:

Ipratropium is used as a bronchodilator for asthma, but it’s typically not the first choice for treating an acute asthma attack.

Choice A rationale:

While headache can be a side effect of aspirin, it’s usually not severe enough to warrant reporting to the provider unless it’s persistent or severe.

Choice B rationale:

Rhinitis, or inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose, can be an allergic reaction to aspirin and should be reported to the provider.

Choice C rationale:

Hematocrit (Hct) level of 43% is within the normal range for both men (38.8–50.0 %) and women (34.9–44.5 %), so this finding would not need to be reported.

Choice D rationale:

A blood pressure reading of 120/70 mm Hg is within the normal range and would not need to be reported.