Session 8

The patient expresses concern about taking low dose erythropoietin because his neighbor told him that this medicine can increase his risk for death, heart attack, and stroke. What is the nurse’s best response to his concern?

• No need to worry about those complications because your risk is increased if you have a history of heart attack or stroke.

• The risk of death, heart attack, and stroke are increased when the dose is high. Your dose is not high.

• Your neighbor is incorrect. This medication is without serious risk and is needed to improve your blood levels.

• Your provider can give you a different medication by mouth that does not have this risk.

What most essential vital sign element that is needed prior to administration of epoetin alfa and should be monitored frequently?

• Blood pressure

• Heart rate

• Respiratory rate

• Temperature

A nurse is assessing a client who has chronic neutropenia and has been receiving filgrastim. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to assess for an adverse effect of filgrastim?

• Assess for bone pain

• Assess for right upper quadrant pain

• Auscultate for crackles in the bases of the lungs

• Auscultate the chest to listen for a heart murmur

Which colony stimulating factor places the patient at risk for fluid volume overload?

• Filgrastim

• Epoetin alpha

• Oprelvekin

• Sargramostim

What is the primary indication for administering epoetin alfa to a patient?

• Anemia due to chronic kidney disease

• Hypertension

• Diabetes mellitus

• Hyperlipidemia

Which laboratory value should be monitored regularly in a patient receiving epoetin alfa?

• Hemoglobin level

• Blood glucose level

• Serum potassium level

• Cholesterol level

What is a common side effect of filgrastim therapy?

• Bone pain

• Headache

• Skin rash

• Diarrhea