Question 1

A patient who has received chemotherapy has a critically low platelet count.The nurse expects which drug or drug class to be used to stimulate platelet cell production?

Accepted Answer

Oprelvekin (Neumega) is a drug that stimulates the production of platelets by the bone marrow. It is indicated for use in patients with severe thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) as a result of chemotherapy. Filgrastim (Neupogen) is a drug that stimulates the production of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) and is not used to stimulate platelet production. Interferons have immune-modulating effects and are not used to stimulate platelet production. Epoetin alfa (Epogen) is a drug that stimulates the production of red blood cells and is not used to stimulate platelet production.

Question 2

A patient has an order for the monoclonal antibody adalimumab (Humira).The nurse notes that the patient does not have a history of cancer.What is another possible reason for administering this drug?

Accepted Answer

Adalimumab (Humira) is a monoclonal antibody used to treat various inflammatory conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and Crohn's disease. It works by blocking tumor necrosis factor (TNF), which plays a role in inflammation. While it has been associated with an increased risk of certain types of cancer, it is not typically used to treat cancer.

Question 3

Abatacept (Orencia)is prescribed for a patient with severe rheumatoid arthritis.The nurse checks the patient's medical history,knowing that this medication would need to be used cautiously if which condition is present?

Accepted Answer

Abatacept must be used cautiously in patients with recurrent infections or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The other options are incorrect.

Question 4

Aldesleukin [IL-2] (Proleukin)is prescribed for a patient.The nurse reviews the patient's medication list and would note a potential drug interaction if which drug class is also ordered?

Accepted Answer

Aldesleukin, when given with antihypertensives, can produce additive hypotensive effects. The other responses are incorrect.

Question 5

During a patient's therapy with interleukins,the nurse monitors the patient for capillary leak syndrome.Which assessment finding,if present,would indicate this problem?

Accepted Answer

Capillary leak syndrome is characterized by a sudden and significant increase in fluid leakage from blood vessels into the surrounding tissues. This can result in a rapid weight gain, as seen in option D. Options A, B, and C are not associated with capillary leak syndrome.

Question 6

The nurse is administering an interferon and will implement which intervention?

Accepted Answer

Interferons are often administered subcutaneously and rotating sites helps prevent irritation or tissue damage. Giving the medication with meals, monitoring daily weights, and limiting fluids are not necessary interventions specific to interferon administration.

Question 7

During interleukin drug therapy,a patient is showing signs of severe fluid retention,with increasing dyspnea and severe peripheral edema.The next dose of the interleukin is due now.Which action will the nurse take next?

Accepted Answer

Severe fluid retention with increasing dyspnea and severe peripheral edema are signs of a serious adverse reaction, which requires immediate action. Holding the drug and notifying the prescriber is the appropriate action in this scenario. Giving the drug or administering additional medications without prescriber approval could exacerbate the patient's condition. Monitoring the patient for two hours is not appropriate when the patient is showing signs of a severe adverse reaction.

Question 8

A patient asks about his cancer treatment with monoclonal antibodies.The nurse tells him that which is the major advantage of treating certain cancers with monoclonal antibodies?

Accepted Answer

Monoclonal antibodies target only certain tumor cells and bypass normal cells, reducing side effects of treatment.

Question 9

A patient who has received chemotherapy has a steadily decreasing white blood cell count.The chemotherapy will end on Tuesday afternoon.The oncologist has mentioned that a colony-stimulating factor will be started soon.The nurse knows that the appropriate time to start this medication is when?

Accepted Answer

Drugs that are given to enhance the activity of bone marrow cells interfere directly with the action of myelosuppressive cancer therapy. For this reason, therapy with colony-stimulating factors begins 24 hours after the chemotherapy has been completed.

Question 10

A patient will be receiving aldesleukin [IL-2] (Proleukin),600,000 IU/kg every 8 hours for 14 doses.The patient weighs 220 pounds.Identify how many IU of medication will this patient receive per dose._______

Accepted Answer

The answer of A patient will be receiving aldesleukin [IL-2]...

Question 11

When monitoring a patient's response to interferon therapy,the nurse notes that the major dose-limiting factor for interferon therapy is which condition?

Accepted Answer

Fatigue is the major dose-limiting factor for interferon therapy. While diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting are potential side effects, they are not typically severe enough to require a reduction or cessation of therapy. Anxiety is not a commonly reported side effect of interferon therapy.

Question 12

A patient is to receive filgrastim (Neupogen)5 mcg/kg/day.The patient weighs 198 pounds.Identify how many micrograms of medication will this patient receive each day._______

Accepted Answer

The answer of A patient is to receive filgrastim (Neupogen)5...

Quiz 47: Biologic Responsemodifying and Antirheumatic Drugs