A nurse is preparing to administer epoetin to a client who has anemia due to chemotherapy. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
Review the client’s Hgb level prior to administration.
Use the Z-track method when administering the medication.
Shake the vial for 30 seconds prior to withdrawing the medication.
Ensure the client is not taking iron supplements while on this medication.
The Correct Answer is A
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason
The client reports relief from pain when lying in the prone position. This statement is incorrect. Clients with a herniated lumbar disc typically find relief from pain when lying on their back with their knees bent or in a fetal position. Lying prone can sometimes exacerbate the pain.
Choice B Reason
The client reports that their low-back pain radiates upward toward one scapula. This statement is incorrect. Pain from a herniated lumbar disc usually radiates downward into the buttocks, legs, and sometimes the feet, not upward toward the scapula.
Choice C Reason
The client reports tingling and a burning sensation in one foot. This is the correct finding. A herniated lumbar disc can compress spinal nerves, leading to symptoms such as tingling, numbness, and a burning sensation in the legs and feet.
Choice D Reason
The client reports decreased pain when the affected leg is raised. This statement is incorrect. Raising the affected leg often increases pain due to the stretching of the sciatic nerve, which can be compressed by the herniated disc.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason
“Your provider will use stool from your digital rectal examination to perform the test.” This statement is incorrect. For fecal occult blood testing, stool samples are typically collected at home using a special kit provided by the healthcare provider. The samples are then sent to a lab for analysis. Using stool from a digital rectal examination is not the standard procedure for FOBT.
Choice B Reason
“Your provider will prescribe a stimulant laxative prior to the procedure to evacuate the bowel.” This statement is incorrect. Stimulant laxatives are not typically prescribed before an FOBT. The test requires a small sample of stool, and using a laxative could interfere with the results. Patients are usually advised to follow specific dietary and medication guidelines to avoid false positives or negatives.
Choice C Reason
“You should begin annual fecal occult blood testing for colorectal cancer screening at 40 years old.” This statement is incorrect. Current guidelines recommend starting colorectal cancer screening, including FOBT, at age 45 for individuals at average risk. Screening may start earlier for those with a higher risk, such as a family history of colorectal cancer.
Choice D Reason
“You should avoid taking corticosteroids prior to testing.” This is the correct statement. Corticosteroids can cause gastrointestinal irritation and bleeding, which may lead to false-positive results in fecal occult blood tests. Therefore, it is important to avoid these medications before testing.
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