Question

A client with chronic renal failure has been receiving epoetin alpha (Procrit). Which lab finding indicates the medication is having its desired effect? A. Red cell count of \(4,700,000\) B. White cell count of 8,000 C. Neutrophil count of 5,500 D. Platelet count of 250,000

Short answer

Answer: A. Red cell count of 4,700,000

Step-by-step solution

Understand the purpose of the medication

Epoetin alpha (Procrit) is a medication that is used to increase red blood cell production in the body, primarily for patients with chronic renal failure who often suffer from anemia. The medication stimulates bone marrow to produce more red blood cells, ultimately helping to improve oxygen delivery in the body.

Review the lab results to find the relevant parameter

In this exercise, the lab results given are: A. Red cell count of \(4,700,000\) B. White cell count of 8,000 C. Neutrophil count of 5,500 D. Platelet count of 250,000 We need to focus on the red blood cell count as the parameter that will indicate if the medication is having its desired effect.

Determine if the given result indicates a desired effect

The red blood cell count in option A is \(4,700,000\). A normal red blood cell count range for an adult is usually between \(4,200,000\) and \(6,100,000\). Since the provided count falls within the normal range, this indicates that the medication is having its desired effect. Therefore, the correct answer is: A. Red cell count of \(4,700,000\)

Key concepts

Chronic Renal Failure

Chronic renal failure, also known as chronic kidney disease (CKD), is a medical condition where the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood. Over time, this can lead to an accumulation of waste products in the body, causing a range of health issues.

• Symptoms of chronic renal failure include fatigue, weakness, swelling in the ankles, and changes in urination patterns.
• CKD can result from conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or recurring kidney infections.
• Early diagnosis and lifestyle changes can help slow the progression of the disease.

Managing chronic renal failure often involves a combination of dietary changes, medication, and sometimes dialysis to maintain kidney function.

Epoetin Alpha (Procrit)

Epoetin alpha, commonly known as Procrit, is a synthetic form of erythropoietin. This medication is used to treat anemia, especially in patients with chronic renal failure. One of the key problems for these patients is a reduction in erythropoietin production by the kidneys, leading to decreased red blood cell production.

• Procrit works by stimulating the bone marrow, which is the body's blood cell "factory," to produce more red blood cells.
• This process helps improve the overall oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, alleviating symptoms of anemia such as fatigue and weakness.

Patients on Procrit typically require regular monitoring of their blood levels to ensure the medication is working effectively and to adjust dosing as needed.

Red Blood Cell Production

Red blood cells (RBCs) are crucial for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and returning carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs to be exhaled. The process of red blood cell production is called erythropoiesis.

The Role of Erythropoietin

Erythropoietin is a hormone produced primarily by the kidneys. When oxygen levels in the blood are low, the kidneys release this hormone to trigger the production of more red blood cells in the bone marrow.

• Adequate levels of this hormone are critical in maintaining healthy red blood cell counts.
• Disruptions in erythropoietin production, as seen in chronic renal failure, can lead to anemia.

Increasing red blood cell counts through medication like epoetin alpha can address these disruptions and help restore normal oxygen delivery in the body.

Anemia Management

Anemia, characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin, can lead to symptoms like fatigue, paleness, and shortness of breath. In the context of chronic renal failure, anemia is often a result of decreased erythropoietin production by the kidneys.

• Managing anemia involves identifying and addressing its root cause and using medications like epoetin alpha to stimulate red blood cell production.
• Dietary adjustments, like increased intake of iron-rich foods, can support red blood cell production.
• Regular monitoring of hemoglobin and red blood cell levels is critical to effectively managing anemia and adjusting treatment plans as necessary.

For patients with chronic kidney disease, comprehensive anemia management is a crucial aspect of their overall health care strategy.