A patient with aplastic anemia is scheduled to receive an injection of erythropoietin (Epogen). The patient inquires about the purpose of the injection.

How should the nurse respond?

Choice A rationale
Assisting the client to sit upright in a chair for 4 hr at a time is not recommended postoperatively following spinal fusion. This could put undue stress on the surgical site and potentially lead to complications.
Choice B rationale
Expecting clear drainage on the spinal dressing is not accurate. Any drainage from the surgical site should be closely monitored for signs of infection, but clear drainage is not typically expected.
Choice C rationale
Elevating the client’s legs when he is lying on his side is not a specific intervention related to postoperative care following spinal fusion.
Choice D rationale
Log rolling the client every 2 hr is the correct intervention. This technique is used to maintain proper alignment and prevent undue stress on the surgical site.

Choice A rationale
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, irritating the lining and causing symptoms like heartburn. Protonix (pantoprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor that decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach. While it is used to treat GERD, it is not typically used prophylactically in trauma patients.
Choice B rationale
Stress ulcers are a type of peptic ulcer that is particularly common in critically ill or severely stressed patients, such as those with severe trauma like an automobile accident. These ulcers occur when the body’s physical stress leads to increased gastric acid secretion, which can damage the gastric mucosa and lead to ulcers. Protonix, by reducing stomach acid, can help prevent these ulcers in high-risk patients. This is why it is often administered prophylactically in severe trauma cases.
Choice C rationale
Dumping syndrome is a condition that can occur after surgery to remove all or part of your stomach or after surgery to bypass your stomach to help you lose weight. It’s also known as rapid gastric emptying. Protonix is not typically used to prevent dumping syndrome.
Choice D rationale
Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining. While Protonix can be used to treat gastritis, it is not typically used prophylactically for this condition in trauma patients.