HESI Maternity Test Bank Related

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A 4-week-old premature infant has been receiving epoetin alfa (Epogen) for the last three weeks. Which assessment finding indicates to the healthcare provider that the drug is effective?

  • A. Slowly increasing urinary output over the last week.
  • B. Respiratory rate changes from the 40s to the 60s.
  • C. Changes in apical heart rate from the 180s to the 140s.
  • D. Change in indirect bilirubin from 12 mg/dl to 8 mg/dl.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Epoetin alfa stimulates erythropoiesis, leading to an increase in red blood cell production and improving oxygen-carrying capacity. As the oxygenation status improves, there is a reduction in heart rate. Therefore, changes in apical heart rate from the 180s to the 140s indicate that the drug is effective.