A patient has taken two doses of interferon Alfa-2b (Intron-A). He comes to the clinic today with the following complaints. Which symptoms would the nurse identify as common adverse effects of this therapy?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Interferon Alfa-2b is an immunomodulatory drug used for conditions like hepatitis or cancer, known for causing flu-like symptoms and systemic effects. Common adverse effects include dizziness, fatigue, and anorexia (loss of appetite), as listed in the correct answer (1, 3, 4). Dizziness reflects the drug's impact on the central nervous system, often reported early in therapy. Loss of appetite and fatigue are also hallmark symptoms due to interferon's influence on metabolism and energy levels. An itchy rash , while possible as a hypersensitivity reaction, is less commonly associated with interferon compared to these systemic effects. The nurse must recognize these as expected side effects, distinguishing them from severe reactions requiring intervention. Since the question asks for common adverse effects and the correct answer includes multiple symptoms, choice A (dizziness) is a key identifier among them, supported by its prevalence in clinical use, making it the primary focus here.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) Drugs that are mast cell stabilizers may help you avoid your seasonal allergies. Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn sodium, work by preventing the release of histamine and other inflammatory substances from mast cells, which are involved in triggering allergic reactions. By using mast cell stabilizers, the patient can prevent the onset of allergies rather than just treating the symptoms after they occur. Option A) Some antihistamines can help prevent the onset of allergies, is incorrect because antihistamines work by blocking the action of histamine after it has been released, providing relief from symptoms but not preventing the allergies from happening. Option B) Some patients find that intranasal corticosteroids help prevent their allergies, is incorrect because intranasal corticosteroids are effective in treating allergy symptoms but do not prevent the allergies from occurring. Option D) Oral decongestants can help you prevent allergies, is incorrect because decongestants are used to relieve nasal congestion associated with allergies but do not prevent the allergies themselves. Educationally, it is important for nurses to understand the mechanisms of action of different medications used in managing allergies to provide appropriate and effective patient education. By knowing how mast cell stabilizers work, nurses can better educate patients on preventive measures for managing their seasonal allergies.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Morphine depresses respiration, and 8 breaths per minute signals overdose, needing immediate action (e.g., naloxone) to reverse hypoventilation. BP of 120/80 and pulse of 90 are normal. Pain at 3/10 shows relief. Respiratory depression is morphine's gravest risk, critical in acute pain where safety trumps comfort, making A the finding requiring swift response.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.