A 4-week-old premature infant has been receiving epoetin alfa (Epogen) for the last three weeks.

Answer:

Changes in apical heart rate from the 180s to the 140s. Epogen, given to prevent or treat anemia, stimulates erythropoietin production, resulting in an increase in RBCs. Since the body has not had to compensate for anemia with an increased heart rate, changes in heart rate from high to normal (C) is one indicator that Epogen is effective.