Topic: Applied sciences
Administering Epoetin Alfa: A Comprehensive Home Health Care Plan
I am a home health nurse who has been assigned to take care of a 66-year-old patient who is prescribed subcutaneous injections of epoetin alfa, also known as Procrit, three times a week. This medication is given to patients to increase the production of red blood cells. For example, it could be given to patients suffering from anemia brought about by chronic renal disease or chemotherapy. In this case, my job as a nurse is to see the patient three times a week, check on the adherence to their medication, and evaluate their general condition.
During each visit, I will evaluate the patient’s condition upon arrival for signs of anemia, such as fatigue or shortness of breath, while verifying the absence of any contraindications or side effects from previous doses. Obtain the patient’s history in order to provide holistic care, including his medical history, the latest laboratory results, and whether there have been any changes in their treatment plan or medications.
Epoetin alfa is to be administered with accuracy in dosage and technique to prevent such adverse events as injection site reactions or hypertension. I will prepare the medication according to the prescribed dose, maintaining sterility throughout. This subcutaneous injection will be given in the abdomen or leg. Sites are to be rotated to minimize discomfort and tissue trauma.
I will also inform the patient and his family about the need for close adherence to the treatment plan, possible side effects, and signs and symptoms that should necessitate calling the doctor or seeking emergency attention in the emergency room—severe headache or rapid weight gain. I will again stress to the patient the need for follow-up visits with their healthcare provider for further evaluation regarding their hemoglobin levels and their overall response to the medication.
I want to provide the best quality care to my patient, improve his quality of life, and treat his anemia.
