The nurse is reviewing laboratory values for a patient taking ...

[Hungry!]

The nurse is reviewing laboratory values for a patient taking epoetin alfa. Which finding would be a cause for concern and put the patient at risk for a cardiovascular event?
 
  a. Hematocrit of 33
  b. Hemoglobin of 14 gm/dL
  c. Elevated basophils
  d. Neutrophils 100,000/mm

Question 2

The prescriber has ordered filgrastim (granulocyte colonystimulating factor) for a patient undergoing myelosuppressive chemotherapy. Which side effect should the nurse tell the patient that she may anticipate?
 
  a. Bone pain
  b. Fatigue
  c. Bleeding
  d. Headache

[Athena23]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Epoetin alfa has been associated with an increase in cardiovascular events. The risk is greatest when the hemoglobin level exceeds 12 gm/dL.
No relationship exists between the hematocrit, basophil, or neutrophil levels and cardiac events in patients taking epoetin alfa.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Filgrastim causes bone pain in about 25 of patients. The pain is dose related and usually mild to moderate.
Fatigue, bleeding, and headache are not side effects of filgrastim.

[Hungry!]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[Alyson.hiatt@yahoo.com]

Excellent