A nurse is reviewing the laboratory data of a client who is receiving filgrastim. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment?

A. INR (International Normalized Ratio): INR is a measure of blood clotting and is not directly affected by filgrastim, which stimulates the production of white blood cells. Monitoring INR is more relevant when assessing anticoagulant therapy.
B. Potassium level: Filgrastim does not directly influence potassium levels. Monitoring potassium is important for certain medications and conditions, but it is not the primary parameter to evaluate the effectiveness of filgrastim.
C. WBC count: Filgrastim (granulocyte colony-stimulating factor) is used to stimulate the production of white blood cells, specifically neutrophils. Monitoring the white blood cell count is crucial in evaluating the effectiveness of filgrastim treatment. An increase in the WBC count, particularly the neutrophil count, indicates a positive response to the medication.
D. BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen): BUN is a measure of kidney function and is not directly influenced by filgrastim. While monitoring kidney function is important in general patient care, it is not the primary parameter to assess the effectiveness of filgrastim.

A. Discard the medication if it is yellow: Amphotericin B lipid complex is typically yellow in color. This is a normal characteristic of the medication, and it should not be discarded based on color. The nurse should be aware of the expected color and administer the medication as prescribed.
B. Administer the medication over 2 hr: Amphotericin B lipid complex is often administered over an extended period (usually over 2 to 6 hours) to minimize the risk of infusion-related reactions. However, if the prescription specifies an intermittent IV bolus, the nurse should follow the prescribed administration route and rate.
C. Prime the tubing with 0.9% sodium chloride (Correct Answer): Amphotericin B lipid complex can interact with dextrose-containing solutions, leading to the formation of a precipitate. Therefore, it is recommended to prime the IV tubing with 0.9% sodium chloride before administering the medication to prevent any potential interaction.
D. Use a gravity flow set: The choice of infusion set may depend on the specific institutional policies and the patient's condition. However, using a pump or a controlled infusion device is often recommended when administering medications like amphotericin B to ensure accurate infusion rates and reduce the risk of adverse reactions.