A nurse is teaching a patient who has 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 will not 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."
B
Epoetin alfa virtually reduces, but does not eliminate, 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.
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The nurse is preparing a patient for surgery to repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm
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The nurse is asked to differentiate delirium from dementia. Which change in mental status should the nurse explain is consistently seen in patients with delirium that is not seen in patients with dementia?
1. Apraxia 2. Disorientation to self 3. Altered level of consciousness 4. Impaired short-term memory