A client has been treated with an erythropoiesis-stimulating factor. Which client assessment would the nurse interpret as indicating the goal of this treatment has been reached?

Question

1. The client's hemoglobin values have risen.
2. The client reports less shortness of breath on exertion.
3. The client has not had an episode of epistaxis in over 3 weeks.
4. The client reports enjoying a walk with family for the first time in months.
5. The client has not had a fever since treatment began.

Answer 1

1,2,4
Rationale 1: The purpose of this therapy is to increase red blood cells, which would increase hemoglobin.
Rationale 2: Since the client has more RBCs, more oxygen can be carried to tissues.
Rationale 3: This drug supports RBC production, not platelet production.
Rationale 4: Increase in activity level indicates treatment success.
Rationale 5: This treatment supports red blood cell production, not white blood cell production.
Global Rationale: The purpose of this therapy is to increase red blood cells, which would increase hemoglobin. Since the client has more RBCs, more oxygen can be carried to tissues. This drug supports RBC production, not platelet production. Increase in activity level indicates treatment success. This treatment supports red blood cell production, not white blood cell production.