Chapter 54, Problem 1CS

(1)

Summary Introduction

To determine:

What is the purpose of ordering for ferrous sulfate?

Case summary:

J.T. is a 37-year-old homemaker who is receiving the second round of chemotherapy for ovarian cancer. Chemotherapeutic drugs lead to adverse effects in the blood cell components. Two weeks later, J.T.’s hemoglobin level is decreased to 7.9 g/dL and her hematocrit level is decreased to 28.5% from her pretherapy levels. She was received with the following orders: ferrous sulfate 300 mg by mouth daily and epoetin alfa (Epogen) 150 units/kg subcutaneously three times a week.

(2)

Summary Introduction

To explain:

Before beginning the epoetin therapy, the nurse will assess for what condition?

Case summary:

J.T. is a 37-year-old homemaker who is receiving the second round of chemotherapy for ovarian cancer. Chemotherapeutic drugs lead to adverse effects in the blood cell components. Two weeks later, J.T.’s hemoglobin level is decreased to 7.9 g/dL and her hematocrit level is decreased to 28.5% from her pretherapy levels. She was received with the following orders: ferrous sulfate 300 mg by mouth daily and epoetin alfa (Epogen) 150 units/kg subcutaneously three times a week.

(3)

Summary Introduction

To determine:

What is the most concerned assessment finding that the nurse needs to monitor during this therapy?

Case summary:

J.T. is a 37-year-old homemaker who is receiving the second round of chemotherapy for ovarian cancer. Chemotherapeutic drugs lead to adverse effects in the blood cell components. Two weeks later, J.T.’s hemoglobin level is decreased to 7.9 g/dL and her hematocrit level is decreased to 28.5% from her pretherapy levels. She was received with the following orders: ferrous sulfate 300 mg by mouth daily and epoetin alfa (Epogen) 150 units/kg subcutaneously three times a week.

(4)

Summary Introduction

To explain:

After 5 weeks, J.T’s hemoglobin level is 11.6 g/dL and hematocrit is 33%. The next dose of the drug epoetin alfa (Epogen) is due today and what action will the nurse take?

Case summary:

J.T. is a 37-year-old homemaker who is receiving the second round of chemotherapy for ovarian cancer. Chemotherapeutic drugs lead to adverse effects in the blood cell components. Two weeks later, J.T.’s hemoglobin level is decreased to 7.9 g/dL and her hematocrit level is decreased to 28.5% from her pretherapy levels. She was received with the following orders: ferrous sulfate 300 mg by mouth daily and epoetin alfa (Epogen) 150 units/kg subcutaneously three times a week.