A patient who has received chemotherapy for cancer treatment is given an injection of Epoetin. Which of the following should reflect the findings in a complete blood count (CBC) drawn several days later?
A. An increase in neutrophil count
B. An increase in hematocrit
C. An increase in platelet count
D. An increase in serum iron
Correct Answer: B. An increase in hematocrit
Epoetin is a form of erythropoietin, which stimulates the production of red blood cells, causing an increase in hematocrit. Epoetin is given to patients who are anemic, often as a result of chemotherapy treatment.
Option A: GCSFs, such as Neupogen (filgrastim, Amgen), Granix (tbo-filgrastim, Cephalon, Inc.), and Zarxio (filgrastim-sndz, Sandoz), stimulate and promote the maturation and activation of neutrophils.
Option C: Medications such as romiplostim (Nplate) and eltrombopag (Promacta) help the bone marrow produce more platelets.
Option D: Epoetin has no effect on neutrophils, platelets, or serum iron.