Author Question: A 71-year-old woman has experienced a sharp decline in her mobility and quality of life due to ... (Read 72 times)

cookcarl · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A 71-year-old woman has experienced a sharp decline in her mobility and quality of life due to severe rheumatoid arthritis. As a result, her care provider has recently prescribed abatacept (Orencia).

This fusion protein inhibitor will achieve a therapeutic effect by what means? A) Preventing the activation of T cells
B) Increasing antibody production by B cells
C) Antagonizing histamine receptors
D) Inhibiting the production of mast cells

Question 2

A patient has been brought to the emergency department by ambulance, and his friend states that he has overdosed on methadone, a long-acting opioid.

The care team is preparing to administer the appropriate antidote, naloxone, which has a shorter half-life than methadone. What are the implications of this aspect of pharmacokinetics? A) Repeated doses of naloxone will likely be necessary.
B) A different antidote will be required after the serum level of naloxone decreases.
C) An increased dose of naloxone will be required.
D) The antidote is unlikely to have a therapeutic effect on the patient's symptoms.

cdmart10 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

A
Feedback:
Abatacept (Orencia) is a fusion protein inhibitor synthesized from an IgG antibody fused to a cell protein that binds to antigen-presenting molecules. This action prevents the activation of T lymphocytes and the production of inflammatory cytokines. Abatacept does not increase antibody production, antagonize histamine receptors, or inhibit mast cell production.

Answer to Question 2

A
Feedback:
When an antidote is used, its half-life relative to the toxin's half-life must be considered. For example, the half-life of naloxone, a narcotic antagonist, is relatively short compared with the half-life of the longer-acting opioids such as methadone, and repeated doses may be needed to prevent recurrence of the toxic state.