Giving Epoetin Alfa: A Full Home Health Care Plan
I was assigned an overall medical caretaker for a 66-year-old patient who had been prescribed epoetin alfa (Procrit). The medication is taken subcutaneously three times a week. A drug promoting erythropoiesis, a common function and assigned use among patients suffering from anemia, particularly chronic renal disease or those undergoing chemotherapy, is epoetin alfa. As a case of health care in need of home care, it is my assignment to carry out home care three times a week, administering the medicine properly and performing monitoring related to the general health status of the patient.
It will be measured at each visit whether the patient’s current status shows symptoms of anemia, such as fatigue or dyspnea, and whether interfering contraindications or side effects from the previous doses occur. The patient’s medical records should also be available. A complete history of the patient will have to be obtained with laboratory reports of the latest changes and alterations in their treatment pattern and medications.
Because epoetin alfa may result in injection site reactions or hypertension, administration must be done quite accurately in both dose and technique. I shall prepare the drug as directed for the given dose and ensure sterility in the process. Subcutaneous injections shall be given in the abdomen or thigh area, and sites shall be rotated around to minimize discomfort and tissue injury.
In addition to dispensing the drug, I will educate the patient and his family on the need to complete the course of treatment, possible side effects, and symptoms, such as a severe headache or sudden weight increase, which might warrant emergency medical attention. I would underscore the significance of returning for continued clinic follow-up with their Medical Doctor for further monitoring of the hemoglobin levels and overall response to medication.
I want to give the patient the best care possible to improve their quality of life and treat anemia.
