Adding polyethylene glycol (PEG) to an interferon has which ...

[abern]

Adding polyethylene glycol (PEG) to an interferon has which pharmacologic effect on the interferon?
 
  1. Increased protein binding
  2. Increased drug half-life
  3. Decreased cellular permeability
  4. Decreased first-pass effect

Question 2

A nurse caring for a client who has been on cyclosporine for six months following a renal allograft reviews the laboratory data and notes that the blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine have shown a consistent elevation in the last two weeks.
 
  The nurse would correctly identify these findings as indicating which problem?
  1. Metabolic acidosis
  2. Metastatic carcinoma
  3. An anaphylactic reaction
  4. Cyclosporine side effects

[lgoldst9]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: The addition of PEG does not have an effect on protein binding.
Rationale 2: The addition of PEG increases the interferon's half-life.
Rationale 3: The addition of PEG does not decrease the cellular permeability of the interferon.
Rationale 4: The addition of PEG does not affect first-pass effect; because it is administered parenterally, it avoids the first-pass effect.
Global Rationale: PEG is a polymer with low toxicity that can be found in skin creams, laxatives, lubricants, toothpastes, and many other products. The addition of PEG to another molecule, known as pegylation, increases the molecule's solubility and extends its stability. The addition of PEG to an IFN extends the half-life of the drug to allow for once-weekly dosing. This action does not have an effect on protein binding, does not decrease cellular permeability and does not decrease first-pass effect.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 1: These are not symptoms of metabolic acidosis.
Rationale 2: These are not symptoms of metastatic carcinoma. There would be other organ signs.
Rationale 3: Anaphylactic reactions include rashes, wheezing, and increasing shortness of breath.
Rationale 4: Side effects of cyclosporine include nephrotoxicity.
Global Rationale: The primary adverse effect of cyclosporine is nephrotoxicity, with up to 75 of patients experiencing a reduction in urine flow. These findings do not represent metabolic acidosis, metastatic carcinoma, or anaphylactic reaction.

[abern]

Both answers were spot on, thank you once again

[lgoldst9]

Great! Please up vote