Epoetin Essentials
This drug stimulates red blood cell production in the bone marrow.
What is epoetin alfa?
This oral supplement is first-line for iron-deficiency anemia.
What is ferrous sulfate?
This vitamin deficiency causes pernicious anemia.
What is B12?
Lab used to assess oxygen-carrying capacity in anemia.
What is hemoglobin (Hgb)?
During a blood transfusion, the patient develops hypotension, wheezing, and urticaria. What is the first nursing intervention?
What is immediately stop the transfusion?
This is the most common side effect of epoetin alfa and requires monitoring of blood pressure.
What is hypertension?
A common GI side effect nurses should provide education on to a patient taking ferrous sulfate.
What is dark or black looking stools?
B12 should not be administered via this route due to safety with administration.
What is IV?
Lab that rises as the bone marrow responds to anemia.
What is reticulocyte count?
A 25-year-old woman with heavy menses reports fatigue and pallor. Labs show low Hgb, low Hct, low MCV, and low ferritin. Which drug is most appropriate?
What is ferrous sulfate?
This is the drug class that epoetin alfa belongs to.
What is erythropoiesis-stimulating agents?
Taking this vitamin with ferrous sulfate enhances absorption.
What is Vitamin C?
This type of anemia is seen on CBC with macrocytic, oval-shaped RBCs.
What is megaloblastic (pernicious) anemia?
Lab that measures the percentage of RBCs in blood.
What is hematocrit (Hct)?
A 60-year-old patient with kidney disease has Hgb 9 (low) g/dL and Hct 28% (low). Which medication can stimulate RBC production?
What is epoetin alfa?
Route of administration for epoetin alfa that is common in kidney disease patients on dialysis.
What is IV administration?
Consuming this should be avoided when taking ferrous sulfate because it decreases the affect of the drug.
What is Calcium? (milk, cheese, yogurts, eggs)
A hallmark neurologic symptom of B12 deficiency.
What is paresthesia (tingling in hands/feet)?
This term describes red blood cells that are smaller than normal.
What is microcytic?
A patient with a history of gastrectomy presents with fatigue, pallor, and numbness in fingers. Labs show macrocytic anemia. Which treatment is indicated?
What is vitamin B12 injection (IM or sublingual)?
This supplement should be given in combination with epoetin alfa to ensure absorption of the drug.
What is an iron supplement?
Proper patient administration of ferrous sulfate includes this.
What is taken before meals, on an empty stomach, and with 8 oz of water or juice?
Body structure that must function properly to absorb vitamin B12.
What is the stomach? (parietal cells)
A patient with low MCHC and low MCV most likely has this type of anemia.
What is iron-deficiency anemia?
A 10-year-old with sickle cell disease presents with sudden pain in the hands and feet. What is the most likely cause?
What is a vaso-occlusive (pain) crisis?