A nurse is evaluating the laboratory values of a client who is receiving epoetin alfa. Which of the following findings indicates a therapeutic response to the medication?

A. Obesity is not a risk factor for osteoporosis. In fact, obesity may have a protective effect on bone density due to increased mechanical loading and higher levels of estrogen in adipose tissue.

B. Acromegaly is not a risk factor for osteoporosis. Acromegaly is a condition caused by excess growth hormone, which leads to increased bone formation and remodeling.

C. Estrogen replacement therapy is not a risk factor for osteoporosis. Estrogen replacement therapy can help prevent bone loss and reduce the risk of fractures in postmenopausal women with low estrogen levels.

D. Sedentary lifestyle is a risk factor for osteoporosis. Sedentary lifestyle reduces physical activity and muscle strength, which decreases bone stimulation and increases bone resorption.

Choice A reason:

Increased haemoglobin is correct. level Epoetin alfa is a medication used to stimulate the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow, and it is often prescribed to treat anaemia. Anaemia is characterized by a decrease in the number of red blood cells or a decrease in the amount of haemoglobin, which is responsible for carrying oxygen in the blood.

The therapeutic response to epoetin alfa is an increase in the haemoglobin level. This indicates that the medication is effectively stimulating the production of red blood cells, leading to an improvement in the client's anaemia and overall oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.

Choice B reason:

Increased platelet count: Platelets are involved in blood clotting and are not directly affected by epoetin alfa.

Choice C reason:

Increased neutrophil count: Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell involved in the body's immune response. Epoetin alfa primarily affects red blood cells and does not directly impact white blood cell levels.

Choice D reason:

Increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): ESR is a non-specific indicator of inflammation in the body and is not directly related to the therapeutic response of epoetin alfa in treating anaemia.