A patient receiving Epogen asks how soon an increase in the red blood cell count will occur. Which time period correctly indicates when the nurse should say that the initial increase in red blood cells should be seen?

A. 1 week: This is slightly too early for a measurable increase in mature circulating red blood cells. B. 2 days: Erythropoiesis (the production of new RBCs) is a biological process that takes time; 2 days is insufficient to see a change in lab values. C. 10 days: Reticulocytes (young RBCs) may begin to rise, but the full impact on the RBC count is usually not significant at this point. D. 2 weeks: It typically takes about 2 to 6 weeks of consistent Epoetin alfa therapy to see a significant rise in the hematocrit and hemoglobin levels.