ATI RN
Immune System Drugs Questions
Question 1 of 5
The pharmacology instructor is explaining interleukins to the class. What would be the best definition of interleukins?
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.
Question 2 of 5
A patient with chronic hepatitis C has been prescribed peginterferon alfa 2b (PEG-INTRON). By what route would the nurse administer this drug?
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.
Question 3 of 5
A 72-year-old male patient has arrived at the outpatient unit to receive an infusion of alemtuzumab (Compath). The patient tells the nurse this is the second time his chronic lymphocytic leukemia has relapsed and the second time he will receive this drug because he failed alemtuzumab therapy after being treated with an alkylating agent. What is the nurse's priority action?
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.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is preparing a patient to receive immunosuppressant drugs on an outpatient basis. What is the priority for the nurse to arrange for this patient in the home environment?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (C): Supportive care and comfort measures are the priority for a patient receiving immunosuppressant drugs at home. These medications can weaken the immune system, making the patient more susceptible to infections and complications. Therefore, ensuring that the patient has access to supportive care, such as monitoring for signs of infection, managing side effects, and providing comfort measures, is crucial to promote the patient's well-being and safety at home. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A: While having a caregiver skilled in CPR is important for emergencies, it is not the top priority in this situation. B: Adequate nutrition is essential for overall health but is not the priority when preparing a patient for immunosuppressant drugs. D: While having a home care nurse to administer injections may be beneficial, it is not the priority compared to providing supportive care and comfort measures for the patient's well-being at home.
Question 5 of 5
The patient underwent an allograft renal transplant 48 hours earlier and is showing signs of rejection. What drug would the nurse expect the physician to order?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Muromonab. Muromonab is a monoclonal antibody that targets T-lymphocytes and is used to treat acute rejection in organ transplant patients. It works by suppressing the immune response against the transplanted organ. In this case, the patient showing signs of rejection after an allograft renal transplant would benefit from Muromonab to prevent further rejection. Other choices are incorrect: B: Anakinra is an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist used for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, not for transplant rejection. C: Mycophenolate is an immunosuppressant that prevents organ rejection by inhibiting T and B cell proliferation, but it is not typically used for acute rejection. D: Sirolimus is an mTOR inhibitor used for maintenance immunosuppression, not for acute rejection treatment.