ATI RN
Immune System Medication Questions
Question 1 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 2 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.
Question 3 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: Effects of oral contraceptives may be altered by liver changes or changes in immune response. Rationale: 1. Immune modulating drugs can affect liver function, potentially altering the metabolism of oral contraceptives. 2. Liver changes can impact the effectiveness of oral contraceptives by either increasing or decreasing their levels in the body. 3. Changes in immune response can also interfere with the hormonal balance maintained by oral contraceptives, leading to decreased efficacy. 4. Barrier contraceptives are recommended to prevent unintended pregnancies due to the potential interactions between immune modulating drugs and oral contraceptives. Summary of other choices: B: Incorrect. Oral contraceptives do not increase the action of immune modulating drugs; they may interact with them due to changes in metabolism. C: Incorrect. Immune modulators can affect oral contraceptives through liver metabolism rather than hormonal impact. D: Incorrect. High-estrogen pills are not the only option if barrier contrace
Question 4 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 1: Anakinra is a recombinant, human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist that is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis by reducing inflammation. Step 2: Anakinra does not have significant liver toxicity, making it suitable for a patient who recently underwent a liver transplant. Step 3: Anakinra targets the immune system to reduce inflammation in RA, making it an appropriate immunosuppressant for the patient. Step 4: Adalimumab (Humira) and Sirolimus (Rapamune) are not typically used to treat RA or liver transplant patients. Step 5: Cyclosporine (Sandimmune) can be used for immunosuppression but has more potential for liver toxicity compared to Anakinra, making it less suitable for this patient.
Question 5 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. The virus is suppressed but still present, so adherence to medications is crucial. Choice A is incorrect as an undetectable viral load is a positive outcome. Choice B is incorrect as rescheduling the visit is unnecessary. Choice C is incorrect as simply congratulating the patient does not address the importance of medication adherence and monitoring.