The nurse is caring for a patient who begins to complain of ...

[Arii_bell]

The nurse is caring for a patient who begins to complain of shortness of breath. The nurse assesses the patient and notes 3+ pitting edema bilaterally in the lower extremities. Which medication taken by the patient causes the most concern?
 
  a. Epoetin alfa
  b. Filgrastim (granulocyte colonystimulating factor)
  c. Oprelvekin (interleukin-11)
  d. Sargramostim (granulocyte-macrophage colonystimulating factor)

Question 2

A nurse is teaching a patient with chronic renal failure who will begin receiving epoetin alfa (Epogen) about this drug therapy. Which statement by the patient indicates understanding of the teaching?
 
  a. If I have to start dialysis, I will have to stop taking this drug.
  b. Taking this drug should eliminate my need for blood transfusions.
  c. Taking this medication will prevent the need for dialysis in the future.
  d. When I take this, my serum ferritin levels will increase.

[ynlevi]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Oprelvekin causes the kidneys to retain sodium and water, which causes peripheral edema and expansion of plasma volume. Some patients experience dyspnea. Fluid retention is not an adverse effect of epoetin alfa, filgrastim, or sargramostim.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Epoetin alfa virtually eliminates the need for blood transfusions in patients with CRF. Dialysis is not a contraindication for taking this drug. Epoetin alfa does not prevent the need for dialysis. Epoetin alfa does not raise the serum ferritin level.

[Arii_bell]

Thank you!

[ynlevi]

Always glad to help...