ATI RN
Immune System Medication Questions
Question 1 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 evaluating the patient's understanding of specific measures to avoid adverse effects is crucial when administering an immune stimulant for chronic hepatitis B. This knowledge ensures the patient's safety and helps prevent potential harm. Choices A and B focus on logistical aspects of medication administration, which are important but not as critical for evaluating teaching effectiveness in this situation. Choice C is also relevant, but monitoring positive effects alone does not provide a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's understanding. Therefore, choice D is the most appropriate option for assessing the patient's comprehension and ability to prevent adverse effects.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse teaches the female patient receiving immune modulating drugs about the need to use barrier contraceptives. The patient says, I hate using barrier contraceptives. Why can't I just take oral contraceptives? What is the nurse's best response?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because immune modulating drugs can affect liver enzymes, potentially altering the metabolism of oral contraceptives. This can lead to decreased effectiveness or increased side effects of oral contraceptives. Choice B is incorrect because oral contraceptives do not increase the action of immune modulating drugs, so dosage adjustments are not necessary. Choice C is incorrect because immune modulators do not directly make oral contraceptives ineffective due to hormonal impacts. Choice D is incorrect because high-estrogen pills are not the only option if barrier contraceptives are not preferred; rather, a different form of contraception should be discussed based on individual needs.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who recently underwent a liver transplant. What immunosuppressant could this patient be prescribed that would treat both diagnoses?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for the correct answer A: Anakinra (Kineret): 1. Anakinra is an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist used to treat RA by reducing inflammation. 2. It does not suppress the immune system globally, making it safer for a patient with a recent liver transplant. 3. Anakinra can effectively treat RA without compromising the patient's immune system post-transplant. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: B: Adalimumab (Humira) is a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor commonly used for RA but poses a risk of immunosuppression post-liver transplant. C: Sirolimus (Rapamune) is an mTOR inhibitor used as an immunosuppressant post-transplant but is not typically prescribed for RA. D: Cyclosporine (Sandimmune) is a calcineurin inhibitor used as an immunosuppressant post-transplant, but it is not indicated
Question 4 of 5
A recent laboratory results indicated an “undetectable†human immunodeficiency virus viral load. What is the nurse's best response?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. The nurse should educate the patient about the continued need for medications and ongoing monitoring because an undetectable viral load does not mean the medication stopped working. It indicates treatment success but does not signify a cure. The patient still needs to adhere to the medication regimen to maintain the viral load suppression and prevent resistance. Rescheduling the clinic visit (B) or immediate action (A) is not necessary based solely on this result. Simply congratulating the patient (C) without providing further information on the importance of medication adherence and monitoring would be inadequate. Therefore, choice D is the best response to ensure the patient understands the significance of continuing treatment.
Question 5 of 5
All transplant drugs have the same advisory, to use caution when administering them with another immunosuppressant drug because of the increased risk for:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Infection. When transplant drugs are administered with another immunosuppressant, the immune system is further suppressed, increasing the risk of infections. This is because the body's ability to fight off harmful pathogens is compromised. Nausea and vomiting (A), edema (B), and anemia (C) are not directly related to the interaction of transplant drugs with other immunosuppressants. Infection is the most critical concern due to the weakened immune response.