Cardiac Growth Factors

Question 1

What is the main therapeutic action of erythropoietic growth factors?

Answer 1

Increase the production of RBCs in patients experiencing anemia from chronic renal failure or from bone marrow suppression.

Question 2

Why would we need erythropoietic for renal failure?

Answer 2

The erythropoietin is secreted by the kidneys when the oxygen levels in the body are low or if there is a decreased CO, but with chronic renal failure the kidney are impaired and dont secrete it like they should

Question 3

What is the main goal of treatment for erythropoietic growth factors?

Answer 3

To increase HCT to at least 33% and HGB to be higher than 10/11 g/dl

Question 4

What are some adverse effects of erythropoietic growth factors?

Answer 4

hypertension (elevated HCT)

Risk for thrombotic event - increased viscosity

DVT

Question 5

What are some primary nursing considerations for erythropoietic growth factors?

Answer 5

Monitor HGB, iron lvls, and BP

monitor CBC (thrombocytes, HGB, iron levels)

Look out for DVT in post-op patients

Dosing is usually three times per week

Dont agitate vial of medication (can destroy medication) and dont use the same vial for multiple dosing