Question

J.T., a 37-year-old homemaker, is receiving a second round of chemotherapy as part of treatment for ovarian cancer. Chemotherapeutic drugs may lead to the adverse effects of bone marrow suppression of various blood cell components.

Two weeks after this round of chemotherapy, J.T.’s hemoglobin level is 7.9 g/dL (pretherapy value was 11 g/dL), and the hematocrit is 28.5% (pretherapy value was 34%). The following orders are received: epoetin alfa (Epogen) 150 units/kg subcutaneously three times a week; ferrous sulfate 300mg by mouth daily.

1. What is the purpose of the order for ferrous sulfate?

2. The nurse will assess for what conditions before beginning the epoetin therapy?

3.   The nurse needs to monitor J.T. closely. What assessment findings would be of the most concern during this therapy?

Answer 1

1)Ferrous sulphate is the oral iron therapy which is used to treat iron deficiency anemia.this patient haemoglobin and haematocrit levels are less than normal.this supplement will increase the response to erythropoietin replacement therapy.

2)patients blood pressure should be checked before the administration of erythropoietin.this therapy can increase the blood pressure level of the patient.sometime patient need to take anti hypertensive medication during this therapy.

3)nurse should assess patient have fatigue,weakness or depression even after taking this therapy.Moreover,haemoglobin and hematocrit should be checked frequently to prevent over dosage.other than that blood pressure should be checked consequently to prevent complications of hypertension