Case management of the anemic patient: epoetin alfa--focus on cognitive function

Impaired cognitive function associated with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) can adversely affect a patient's quality of life and is only partially reversed by dialysis. Correction of anemia with Epoetin alfa improves cognitive function and other factors that affect quality of life. Thus, nephrology nurses can improve their patients' quality of life by ensuring adequate dosing of Epoetin alfa so that anemia is corrected and cognitive function benefits are achieved. In addition, a knowledge of how cognitive function is evaluated helps nurses analyze research studies related to this area.