How do immune suppressants work when ordered for a patient who has had an organ transplant?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Blocking normal effects of the immune system. Immune suppressants are prescribed post-organ transplant to prevent rejection by inhibiting the immune system's response against the new organ. By blocking the immune system's normal function, these medications help maintain the transplanted organ's viability. Explanation for incorrect choices: B: Stimulating the immune system to fight off infection contradicts the purpose of immune suppressants, which aim to dampen the immune response. C: Working with corticosteroids to enhance healing is not the primary mechanism of action of immune suppressants. D: Working with corticosteroids to promote suppressor cells is not accurate as immune suppressants primarily target different pathways compared to corticosteroids.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Palivizumab. Palivizumab is specifically designed to prevent RSV in high-risk children by targeting the virus. Natalizumab is used for multiple sclerosis, Belimumab for lupus, and Eculizumab for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. These choices are incorrect as they do not target RSV.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale for choice C: Interleukins are chemicals that facilitate communication between leukocytes, aiding in the stimulation of immunity. This is accurate because interleukins play a crucial role in regulating immune responses and coordinating interactions between different immune cells. They help in the activation, proliferation, and differentiation of leukocytes, thereby enhancing the body's immune defense mechanisms. Summary of other choices: A: Incorrect. Interleukins are not specifically related to responses against viral infections, but rather play a broader role in immune regulation. B: Incorrect. Interleukins generally do not block inflammatory reactions; instead, they often promote immune responses. D: Incorrect. While interleukins do bind to specific receptors, their functions are not limited to responding to very specific situations, but rather involve broader immune regulation.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cyclosporine (Sandimmune). Cyclosporine is commonly used as an immunosuppressant to prevent rejection in organ transplant recipients and for treating autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. It works by inhibiting T-cell activation and proliferation. Azathioprine (B) is also an immunosuppressant but is not as commonly used as Cyclosporine. Pimecrolimus (C) is a topical medication used for eczema and not a systemic immune suppressant. Glatiramer (D) is used for treating multiple sclerosis but is not a commonly used immune suppressant.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct route for administering peginterferon alfa 2b (PEG-INTRON) is subcutaneously (SQ) because it is a large molecule that needs to be absorbed slowly. Subcutaneous injections allow for a slow and sustained release of the drug into the bloodstream. Intramuscular (IM) administration may cause faster absorption and potential adverse effects due to the large size of the molecule. Intralesional (IL) administration is used for localized skin conditions, not for systemic effects like in chronic hepatitis C. Orally administering PEG-INTRON would result in degradation in the digestive system, rendering it ineffective. Hence, subcutaneous administration is the most appropriate route for this medication.