ATI RN
Immune System Medication Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is caring for a female patient, aged 62, who has been admitted for treatment of metastatic melanoma. What agent would the nurse anticipate the physician is likely to order?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Ipilimumab. This drug is a checkpoint inhibitor used in the treatment of metastatic melanoma by enhancing the immune system to fight cancer cells. It is a common choice for this condition due to its effectiveness. Aldesleukin (A) and Interferon alfa 2b (B) are also immunotherapy agents but are not typically used as first-line treatments for metastatic melanoma. Cyclosporine (C) is an immunosuppressant used to prevent organ transplant rejection and manage autoimmune diseases, not for treating melanoma.
Question 2 of 5
The patient has arrived in the short stay unit for an infusion of tositumomab with 131 tositumomab (Bexxar). Before beginning the infusion, the nurse assesses the patient's vital signs and finds the patient has a temperature of 101.5°F, What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Treating the fever before beginning the therapy. Fever can be a sign of infection or other serious underlying issues. Before starting the infusion, it is crucial to address the fever to prevent potential complications. The step-by-step rationale is: 1. Assess the patient's vital signs - In this case, the patient has a temperature of 101.5°F. 2. Recognize the significance of fever - Fever can indicate infection or other health concerns. 3. Prioritize patient safety - Treating the fever before starting the infusion ensures the patient's well-being. 4. Prevent potential adverse reactions - Infusing tositumomab with a fever could exacerbate the patient's condition. 5. Collaborate with the healthcare team - Once the fever is treated, the therapy can be safely initiated. Incorrect Choices: A: Holding the infusion until the patient is afebrile - This delays necessary treatment and does not address the underlying issue causing
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is writing a plan of care for a patient receiving immune suppressants for leukemia. What would be an appropriate nursing diagnosis for this patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Acute pain related to central nervous system (CNS), gastrointestinal (GI), and flu-like effects. This nursing diagnosis is appropriate for a patient receiving immune suppressants for leukemia as these medications can cause adverse effects such as CNS, GI, and flu-like symptoms leading to acute pain. The nurse should assess the patient for these symptoms and provide interventions to manage pain effectively. Incorrect Choices: A: Anxiety related to diagnosis and drug therapy - While anxiety can be common in patients with leukemia and receiving immune suppressants, acute pain is a more specific and immediate concern that should be addressed first. C: Risk for infection related to immune stimulation - This is not the most immediate concern for a patient receiving immune suppressants, as the main focus should be on managing side effects such as pain. D: Imbalanced nutrition: More than body requirements - This nursing diagnosis is not directly related to the side effects of immune suppressants and would not be the priority for this patient.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient who has a diagnosis of chronic hepatitis B infection and has been prescribed an immune stimulant. After teaching the patient about the treatment plan, how might the nurse evaluate the effectiveness of teaching?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the patient being able to state specific measures to avoid adverse effects demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the treatment plan. This indicates that the patient not only understands the benefits of the medication but also the potential risks associated with it. This knowledge is crucial in ensuring the patient's safety and well-being throughout the treatment. A, B, and C are incorrect because knowing where to get the medication, who will administer it, and what positive effects to watch for are important aspects of medication management but do not directly assess the patient's understanding of potential adverse effects and safety measures. The focus should be on ensuring that the patient is well-informed about how to prevent and manage any negative outcomes related to the treatment.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse, working with a nursing student, is caring for a patient who is to receive interleukins. The student nurse asks you what happens physiologically when a patient receives interleukins. What is the nurse's best response?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: The patient has increases in the number of natural killer cells. Interleukins are a type of cytokine that regulate immune responses, including stimulating the proliferation and activation of natural killer cells. Natural killer cells are important in the body's defense against viruses and cancer. Increased levels of natural killer cells help enhance the immune response. Choice A is too vague and does not provide specific information about the physiological effects of interleukins. Choice C is incorrect because interleukins actually increase cytokine activity. Choice D is incorrect as interleukin therapy can indeed cause flu-like symptoms as a side effect, but it does not lead to the patient getting better directly.