ATI Hematologic System Related

Review ATI Hematologic System related questions and content

A nurse is caring for a client who is about to begin taking folic acid to treat megaloblastic anemia. The nurse should monitor which of the following laboratory values to determine therapeutic effectiveness?

  • A. Amylase level
  • B. Reticulocyte count
  • C. C-reactive protein
  • D. Creatinine clearance
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Reticulocyte count. Reticulocytes are immature red blood cells. In megaloblastic anemia, there is a decrease in red blood cell production due to a deficiency in folic acid. Monitoring reticulocyte count helps determine if the folic acid treatment is increasing red blood cell production.

A: Amylase level is not relevant to monitoring the effectiveness of folic acid in treating megaloblastic anemia.
C: C-reactive protein is a marker for inflammation and not specific to monitoring anemia treatment.
D: Creatinine clearance is used to assess kidney function, not the effectiveness of folic acid in treating anemia.