Which parameter should be monitored in patients receiving epoetin alfa?

Which parameter should be monitored in patients receiving epoetin alfa?

• A. Hypotension
• B. Hyperkalemia
• C. Hypertension
• D. Hypothyroidism

Answer: (C)

Epoetin alfa stimulates red blood cell production, which can increase blood viscosity and raise blood pressure. Because of this, monitoring blood pressure is essential during ESA therapy to detect and manage hypertension and reduce cardiovascular risk. If hypertension develops, dose adjustments or treatment changes may be needed, and keeping hemoglobin within a safe target helps minimize BP rises. While other issues can occur in different contexts, they are not the primary concern with epoetin alfa here; the key parameter to watch is blood pressure.

Epoetin alfa stimulates red blood cell production, which can increase blood viscosity and raise blood pressure. Because of this, monitoring blood pressure is essential during ESA therapy to detect and manage hypertension and reduce cardiovascular risk. If hypertension develops, dose adjustments or treatment changes may be needed, and keeping hemoglobin within a safe target helps minimize BP rises. While other issues can occur in different contexts, they are not the primary concern with epoetin alfa here; the key parameter to watch is blood pressure.