For a client with chronic renal failure receiving epoetin alfa (Epogen, Procrit), which laboratory result indicates a therapeutic effect?

In the context of a client with chronic renal failure being treated with epoetin alfa, the primary therapeutic goal of this medication is to stimulate the production of red blood cells and improve anemia. The hematocrit level is a key indicator of the volume percentage of red blood cells in the blood, which makes it a direct measure of the effectiveness of epoetin alfa. A hematocrit level of 32% suggests an increase in red blood cell mass, indicating a positive response to treatment.

Conversely, while the other laboratory values are important for assessing overall health, they do not specifically relate to the therapeutic effects of epoetin alfa. The platelet count assesses thrombocyte levels, the white blood cell count evaluates immune response, and the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level is a measure of kidney function. However, none of these directly indicate whether the epoetin alfa is effectively managing the anemia associated with renal failure. Therefore, a hematocrit of 32% is the most significant indicator of a therapeutic response to treatment in this scenario.