Page 1907 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

and slow wound healing can also occur.
J. Antithymocyte globulin, equine
1. Antithymocyte globulin, equine, causes a decrease in
the number and activity of thymus-derived
lymphocytes and is used to suppress organ rejection
following renal, liver, bone marrow, and heart
transplantation.
2. It is used primarily to treat acute rejection episodes.

3. Before the first infusion, the client should

undergo intradermal skin testing to determine
hypersensitivity.
4. Because this product is made using equine and human
blood components, it may carry a risk of transmitting
infectious agents, such as viruses.
5. Monitor the platelet count and report low counts to
the PHCP per agency policy.
6. Arrange for outpatient referral for repeated infusions
after discharge.
VIII. Hematopoietic Growth Factors (Box 55-7)
A. Erythropoietic growth factors
1. Stimulate the production of red blood cells
2. Used to treat anemia of chronic kidney disease,
chemotherapy-induced anemia, anemia caused by
zidovudine, and anemia in clients requiring surgery
3. Initial effects can be seen within 1 to 2 weeks, and the
hematocrit reaches normal levels in 2 to 3 months.

4. Major adverse effect is hypertension.

5. Adverse effects can also include heart failure,
thrombotic effects such as stroke or myocardial
infarction, and cardiac arrest.
B. Leukopoietic growth factors
1. Stimulate the production of white blood cells
(leukocytes)
2. Used for clients undergoing myelosuppressive
chemotherapy or bone marrow transplantation and
those with severe chronic neutropenia
3. Can cause bone pain, leukocytosis, and elevation of
plasma uric acid, lactate dehydrogenase, and alkaline
phosphatase levels; long-term therapy has caused
splenomegaly.
C. Thrombopoietic growth factor
1. Stimulates the production of platelets
2. Used for clients undergoing myelosuppressive
chemotherapy to minimize thrombocytopenia and to
decrease the need for platelet transfusions

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