Ch- 54 Anemia Drugs Flashcards
What is epogen?
A form of erythropoietin secreted by the kidneys in response to low red blood cells
Why would you give a patient a erythropoietin stimulating drug?
They could be in end stage renal or kidney disease
What else should the patient be taking with an erythropoietin stimulating drug?
Iron
What are some common anemia drugs?
Iron, folic acid, ascorbic acid
What is a common side effect of taking iron?
Tarry stools
What is folic acid used for with anemia patients?
Prevent folic acid deficiency and is necessary for erythropoiesis
What is ascorbic acid used for in anemia patients?
Required for converting folic acid into metabolite …. Ascorbic acid activates folic acid both needed for erythropoiesis
What is a common adverse effect of folic acid?
Yellow discoloration of urine
When administering iron tablets the nurse should keep in mind that the most appropriate substance other than water to give with these tablets is what?
Orange juice
The nurse is teaching a patient about oral iron supplements. What is true about them?
It is better absorbed on an empty stomach but if that causes your stomach to be upset you can take it with food
The nurse is administering an IV dose of iron dextran. For what potential adverse effect is it important for the nurse to monitor?
Anaphylaxis
The nurse is assessing a patient who is to receive folic acid supplements. It is important to rule out what condition before giving folic acid?
Pernicious anemia
A patient with renal failure has severe anemia and there is an order for darbepoetin. What will the nurse consider a contradiction to the use of this medication?
Uncontrolled hypertension
When iron sucrose is administered what nursing interventions should be followed?
Administer large doses over 2.5-3.5 hours IV, monitor patient for hypotension
A woman who has s planning to become pregnant asks the nurse when she should start to take folic acid supplements. What is the nurses response?
You should start taking it at least 1 month before you become pregnant and continue it throughout early pregnancy
