A client receiving chemotherapy is neutropenic. The provider prescribes filgrastim. Which outcome best indicates that the medication is having the desired therapeutic effect?

Filgrastim is a human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) produced by recombinant DNA technology that stimulates the production of neutrophils within the bone marrow. It is primarily utilized to reduce the duration of neutropenia and the incidence of associated febrile infections in oncological patients. A. Hemoglobin levels reflect the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood and the concentration of erythrocytes. Filgrastim specifically targets the myeloid lineage to produce white blood cells and does not have a therapeutic effect on the erythropoietic process or the overall concentration of hemoglobin in the circulatory system. B. Sodium levels are an indicator of fluid balance and electrolyte status within the extracellular fluid compartment. Filgrastim is a biological modifier that influences hematopoiesis in the bone marrow and does not influence the renal or hormonal mechanisms that regulate serum sodium concentrations in the human body. C. Platelet counts are an indicator of the body's ability to form clots and maintain hemostasis through thrombopoiesis. While some growth factors target megakaryocytes, filgrastim specifically stimulates the proliferation and differentiation of neutrophils; therefore, an increase in platelets is not the intended therapeutic outcome of this drug. D. The primary therapeutic goal of filgrastim is to increase the absolute neutrophil count within the total white blood cell population. By stimulating the production, maturation, and activation of neutrophils, the medication helps the patient recover from chemotherapy-induced leukopenia, thereby strengthening the immune response against potential bacterial pathogens.