Chemotherapy Biotherapy Certification ONS Practice Testq

Which condition is commonly treated with erythropoietin?

1. Anemia due to chemotherapy

2. Leukemia

3. Thrombocytopenia

4. Neutropenia

The correct answer is: Anemia due to chemotherapy

Erythropoietin is commonly used to treat anemia, particularly when it is associated with chronic diseases, renal failure, or certain cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy. The medication functions by stimulating the production of red blood cells, which are often diminished in patients undergoing chemotherapy due to the effects of the drugs on the bone marrow. When cancer treatments lead to a reduction in red blood cells, this can cause symptoms of anemia, such as fatigue and weakness, making the administration of erythropoietin beneficial in these cases. In contrast, leukemia is characterized by an overproduction of ineffective white blood cells, thrombocytopenia refers to a low platelet count, and neutropenia is a reduction in neutrophil levels. While these conditions may also arise in patients receiving chemotherapy, they are not typically treated with erythropoietin, as it specifically addresses red blood cell production rather than the issues relating to white blood cells or platelets. This specificity of action highlights why the treatment for anemia due to chemotherapy is the most appropriate indication for erythropoietin use.