The nurse admits a patient who was newly diagnosed with Kaposi's sarcoma to the unit. The physician has ordered an IV infusion of an interferon. What drug would be appropriate?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Interferon alfa 2b. This is the appropriate drug for Kaposi's sarcoma treatment due to its antiviral and immunomodulatory properties. Interferon alfa 2b is commonly used in the treatment of this condition. Interferon beta1a (A) is used for multiple sclerosis, not Kaposi's sarcoma. Interferon gamma 1b (B) is mainly used for chronic granulomatous disease. Peginterferon alfa 2b (D) is used for hepatitis C treatment, not Kaposi's sarcoma. Therefore, the correct choice is Interferon alfa 2b for this patient.

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.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Calling the physician and questioning the order. This is the priority action because the patient's history of relapse and prior failure of alemtuzumab therapy after receiving an alkylating agent raises concerns about potential drug interactions, contraindications, or other issues that need to be clarified with the physician before proceeding with the infusion. It is crucial to ensure patient safety and the effectiveness of the treatment by confirming the appropriateness of the order. Summary of other choices: B: Washing your hands - While hand hygiene is important, it is not the priority in this situation. C: Beginning an intravenous infusion - Starting the infusion without clarifying the order and potential issues first could be harmful to the patient. D: Canceling the infusion - While canceling the infusion may be necessary depending on the physician's response, it is not the initial action to take without consulting the physician first.