The client undergoing intensive chemotherapy for Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) is hospitalized with fever and depressed immune system functioning. The nurse is administering filgrastim subcutaneously daily. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor to determine the medication’s effectiveness?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A. Epoetin alfa, not filgrastim, is used to treat anemia that is associated with cancer, and its effectiveness would be reflected in the Hgb values. B. Oprelvekin (Neumega), not filgrastim, enhances the synthesis of platelets. C. The nurse should monitor the ANC. Filgrastim (Neupogen) is usually discontinued when the client’s absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is above 1000 cells/mm3. Filgrastim, a granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) analog, is used to stimulate the proliferation and differentiation of granulocytes and treat neutropenia. D. Reed-Sternberg cells are found in lymph node biopsy cells and are indicative of Hodgkin’s lymphoma; they are not monitored to determine the effectiveness of filgrastim, which is used to treat neutropenia.