Which assessment data indicates the desired outcome of epoetin alfa therapy?

• A. Hemoglobin increases.
• B. Hematocrit decreases.
• C. Conjunctival sacs remain pale.
• D. Conjunctival sac returns to reddish-pink color.

Answer: (D)

Epoetin alfa therapy aims to raise the red blood cell mass to improve tissue oxygen delivery. A clear, observable sign that this is working is the return of conjunctival sacs from pale to reddish-pink, reflecting better blood perfusion and oxygenation of tissues as hemoglobin rises. While lab values like hemoglobin would also confirm improvement, the visible change in conjunctival color directly demonstrates that the anemia is responding to treatment. Decreasing hematocrit would not indicate improvement, and persistent pale conjunctiva would suggest ongoing anemia rather than a successful response.