Author Question: The nurse practitioner is debating whether to prescribe darbepoetin alfa (ARAN esp) or epoetin alfa. ... (Read 334 times)

wrbasek0 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The nurse practitioner is debating whether to prescribe darbepoetin alfa (ARAN esp) or epoetin alfa. The nurse practitioner decides to write the order for darbepoetin alfa (ARAM esp), because it has the advantage over erythropoietin that it

a. is less painful to inject.
b. can be administered less frequently.
c. has a shorter half-life.
d. is less likely to exacerbate hypertension.

Question 2

A patient is admitted to the unit with complaints of abdominal pain and a history of myasthenia gravis. During the health history the nurse determines that the patient has been taking neostig-mine (Prostigmin).

The nurse should further assess the patient for a. bradycardia, diaphoresis, and urinary urgency.
b. tachycardia, diaphoresis, and urinary retention.
c. xerostomia, diaphoresis, and mydriasis.
d. increased gastric motility, mydriasis, and urinary retention.

Anna · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

B
Darbepoetin alfa is cleared more slowly than epoetin alfa and has a longer half-life. It therefore can be administered less often and is more convenient.
Darbepoetin alfa is not less painful to inject and is not less likely to exacerbate hypertension.
Darbepoetin alfa has a longer half life than epoetin alfa.

Answer to Question 2

A
Accumulation of acetylcholine, seen in patients with myasthenia gravis, results in bradycardia, diaphoresis, and urinary urgency. These assessment findings are also a result of the adverse ef-fects of neostigmine.
Tachycardia and urinary retention are not adverse effects of excessive muscarinic stimulation.
Xerostomia and mydriasis are not adverse effects of neostigmine or an accumulation of acetyl-choline.
Increased gastric motility, mydriasis, and urinary retention are not adverse effects of neostigmine or an accumulation of acetylcholine.