The client and nurse have set a goal that the client will demonstrate proper technique for self-administration of epoetin alfa (Epogen) before the client is discharged from the hospital

Question

Which client actions would the nurse evaluate as indicating this goal is met?
Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. The client shakes the vial prior to drawing up the medication.
2. The client warms the vial by holding it for a few minutes before drawing up the medication.
3. The client draws the appropriate amount of medication into the syringe.
4. The client saves the remaining medication in the vial for the next dose.
5. The client verbalizes a plan to keep the medication vials in a cabinet out of the reach of children.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 2,3
Rationale 1: The vial should be gently rotated, never shaken, to mix the contents.
Rationale 2: The medication should be warmed. A good method for warming medication is to hold the vial in the hand for a few minutes.
Rationale 3: The client must be accurate in drawing up the medication.
Rationale 4: Vials are for one-time use only, and remaining medication should be discarded.
Rationale 5: While all medications should be kept out of the reach of children, Epogen must be refrigerated.
Global Rationale: The medication should be warmed. A good method for warming medication is to hold the vial in the hand for a few minutes. The client must be accurate in drawing up the medication. The vial should be gently rotated, never shaken, to mix the contents. Vials are for one-time use only, and remaining medication should be discarded. While all medications should be kept out of the reach of children, Epogen must be refrigerated.