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 is the most appropriate nursing diagnosis because immune suppressants commonly cause side effects like pain in the CNS, GI disturbances, and flu-like symptoms. The priority is to address the patient's immediate discomfort and provide appropriate pain management. Choice A (Anxiety related to diagnosis and drug therapy) may be a valid concern for the patient, but addressing acute pain is more urgent in this case. Choice C (Risk for infection related to immune stimulation) is incorrect because immune suppressants actually increase the risk of infection due to decreased immune response. Choice D (Imbalanced nutrition: More than body requirements) is not the most relevant nursing diagnosis for a patient receiving immune suppressants. Pain management takes precedence over addressing nutrition concerns.
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 play a key role in the immune response, including stimulating the production and activity of natural killer cells. Natural killer cells are important in fighting infections and cancer. Therefore, when a patient receives interleukins, it leads to an increase in the number of natural killer cells, enhancing the immune response. Choice A is too vague and does not provide specific information about the physiological effects of interleukins. Choice C is incorrect as interleukins actually increase cytokine activity. Choice D is incorrect as flu-like symptoms are a common side effect of interleukin therapy, but it is not the primary physiological effect of interleukins on the immune system.
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 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 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-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 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. 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.