CEA Nursing Practice Exam

What level should be monitored to assess the effectiveness of erythropoietin (Epocrit) treatment in ESRD patients?

1. Potassium

2. Total iron binding capacity (TIBC)

3. Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH)

4. Red cell distribution width (RDW)

The correct answer is: Red cell distribution width (RDW)

Monitoring the red cell distribution width (RDW) is essential in assessing the effectiveness of erythropoietin (Epocrit) treatment in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Erythropoietin is a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production in the bone marrow, and its effectiveness can often be reflected in changes in hematologic indices, including RDW. RDW measures the variation in size of red blood cells and can provide insights into the body's response to erythropoietin therapy. An increase in RDW may indicate effective erythropoiesis, which occurs when the body produces new red blood cells to correct anemia often associated with ESRD. Monitoring RDW allows healthcare providers to assess whether the treatment is stimulating adequate production of red blood cells and to adjust therapy as necessary. While potassium, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) are crucial in managing ESRD, they are not direct indicators of the effectiveness of erythropoietin therapy. Potassium levels are vital for monitoring kidney function and potential complications, TIBC relates to iron stores and availability for erythropoiesis, and LDH is more indicative of cell turnover and tissue breakdown rather