An 18-year-old male is taking Hydroxyurea for treatment of sickle cell anemia. Which options below indicate this medication is working successfully?
The patient experiences a decrease in hemoglobin S.
The patient experiences dehydration due to diuresis
The patient experiences an increase in fetal hemoglobin (Hbg F)
The patient needs fewer blood transfusions.
The patient experiences diuresis
Correct Answer : C,D
A. The patient experiences a decrease in hemoglobin S. Hydroxyurea does not decrease hemoglobin S levels directly; it works by increasing fetal hemoglobin (Hgb F) levels.
B. The patient experiences dehydration due to diuresis. This is not an indication that Hydroxyurea is working; it is a potential side effect that should be monitored.
C. The patient experiences an increase in fetal hemoglobin (Hbg F). Hydroxyurea works by increasing the levels of fetal hemoglobin, which reduces the sickling of red blood cells.
D. The patient needs fewer blood transfusions. Successful treatment with Hydroxyurea should reduce the frequency of vaso-occlusive crises and the need for blood transfusions.
E. The patient experiences diuresis. This is not an indicator of the medication's effectiveness; it is a potential side effect.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Reticulocyte count: Reticulocyte count measures immature red blood cells and is not the primary measure for the effectiveness of filgrastim, which is used to boost white blood cells.
B. White blood count / Absolute neutrophil count: Filgrastim (Neupogen) is used to increase white blood cells, specifically neutrophils. Therefore, monitoring the white blood count (WBC) and absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is the appropriate way to determine the effectiveness of the drug.
C. Total lymphocyte count: While lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell, filgrastim primarily affects neutrophils, making WBC/ANC a better indicator.
D. Platelet count: Filgrastim does not directly impact platelet production, so platelet count is not the primary measure of its effectiveness.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Creation of a "sterile" environment with laminar airflow rooms is not practical or necessary for preventing transmission of pathogens to patients with depressed bone marrow function. It may also not be feasible in many healthcare settings.
B. Placement of patients in private rooms with HEPA filtration may help reduce airborne pathogens but is not the most important measure for preventing transmission of harmful pathogens to patients with depressed bone marrow function.
C. Strict and frequent handwashing by all people having contact with the patient is the most important measure for preventing transmission of harmful pathogens, including bacteria and viruses, to immunocompromised patients. Hand hygiene is a fundamental infection control measure that significantly reduces the risk of healthcare-associated infections.
D. Administration of prophylactic antibiotics may be part of the treatment plan for some patients with depressed bone marrow function to prevent bacterial infections, but it is not the most important measure for preventing transmission of harmful pathogens. Hand hygiene is more effective in reducing the transmission of a wide range of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
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