Chapter 39: Biologic Response Modifiers

Chapter 39: Biologic Response Modifiers

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

1. A patient is receiving interferon alpha (Roferon-A) subcutaneously. The patient experiences chills, fatigue, and malaise, and the nurse assesses a temperature of 102° F. The nurse will notify the provider of the temperature and will anticipate which order?

a.	Administer acetaminophen (Tylenol).
b.	Change to intravenous interferon alpha.
c.	Give diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
d.	Obtain a serum BUN and creatinine level.

 

 

ANS:  A

The major side effects of interferon are flulike symptoms with chills, fever, fatigue, malaise, and myalgia. Acetaminophen is given to treat this initially. Changing to an IV form does not alter the side effects. Diphenhydramine is given for nausea caused by interferon alpha. It is not necessary to obtain laboratory work when these symptoms initially occur.

 

DIF:    COGNITIVE LEVEL: Applying (Application)                  REF:   Page 556

TOP:   NURSING PROCESS: Assessment/Nursing Intervention

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

 

2. Prior to administration of interferon alpha, the nurse will administer which medications?

a.	Acetaminophen and diphenhydramine
b.	Heparin and meperidine
c.	Lorazepam and furosemide
d.	Narcotic analgesics and loratadine

 

 

ANS:  A

Patients receiving these drugs should be premedicated with acetaminophen to reduce chills and fever and with diphenhydramine to reduce nausea.

 

DIF:    COGNITIVE LEVEL: Understanding (Comprehension)    REF:   Page 562

TOP:   NURSING PROCESS: Planning/Nursing Intervention

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

 

3. A patient receiving interferon experiences confusion, somnolence, and aphasia. The nurse will perform which action?

a.	Discontinue the medication immediately.
b.	Inform the family that these symptoms may persist for years.
c.	Reassure the patient that these side effects are reversible.
d.	Request an order for lorazepam.

 

 

ANS:  C

Neurologic side effects, such as confusion, somnolence, and aphasia, are reversible after the drug is stopped. It is not necessary to stop the medication unless the symptoms progress and become severe. Lorazepam is not indicated.

 

DIF:    COGNITIVE LEVEL: Applying (Application)                  REF:   Page 557

TOP:   NURSING PROCESS: Evaluation/Nursing Intervention

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

 

4. The nurse is teaching a young adult patient who will begin receiving interferon. Which statement by the patient indicates understanding of the teaching?

a.	“I may have a low-grade fever while taking this medication.”
b.	“I may have serious cardiovascular side effects because of this drug.”
c.	“I should take antiemetics prior to each dose of this medication.
d.	“I may need to avoid people who are sick while I’m taking this drug.”

 

 

ANS:  C

Antiemetics should be given prior to treatment to prevent nausea from occurring. Fevers are common and are usually high. Cardiovascular side effects tend to occur in older patients. Neutropenia is rare with interferon and does not predispose patients to infection.

 

DIF:    COGNITIVE LEVEL: Applying (Application)                  REF:   Page 568

TOP:   NURSING PROCESS: Planning/Nursing Intervention: Patient Teaching

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies