Which finding indicates that epoetin alfa (Epogen) is effective for a premature infant?

The effectiveness of epoetin alfa (Epogen) in a premature infant can be indicated by slowly increasing urinary output over the last week. Epoetin alfa is a synthetic form of erythropoietin, which stimulates the production of red blood cells. In premature infants, who often struggle with anemia due to underdeveloped production of red blood cells, an increase in urinary output suggests that the kidneys are functioning well and that there is improved blood volume and oxygen delivery, resulting in better renal perfusion.

While changes in respiratory rate, heart rate, and bilirubin levels can be important indicators of overall health and complications in premature infants, they do not directly reflect the effectiveness of epoetin alfa. Increasing urinary output specifically correlates with improved red blood cell production and better perfusion, thereby showing that the medication is having the intended effect of addressing anemia in the infant.