A patient about to begin therapy with etanercept has a positive ...

[serike]

A patient about to begin therapy with etanercept has a positive tuberculin skin test. A chest radiograph is negative. The nurse will expect this patient to:
 
  a. begin taking antituberculosis drugs at the beginning of treatment with etanercept.
  b. have periodic chest radiographs during treatment with etanercept.
  c. have regular monitoring of symptoms to detect active tuberculosis.
  d. undergo tuberculosis treatment prior to beginning etanercept treatment.

Question 2

A child has juvenile idiopathic arthritis and will begin a course of etanercept (Enbrel). The nurse will conduct a thorough health history with special attention to:
 
  a. bone growth development.
  b. immunization status.
  c. pulmonary function.
  d. seasonal allergies.

[ririgirl15]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Since TB in a patient taking etanercept is often extrapulmonary and disseminated, it is important to test all patients for TB. Those who test positive for latent TB should be treated for TB before etanercept treatment is begun. It is not correct to begin TB treatment concurrently with etanercept treatment. Latent TB must be treated and not monitored.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Patients beginning therapy with etanercept should be fully immunized to prevent the risk of communicable diseases as well as to avoid giving live-virus vaccines, since etanercept suppresses immunity. Bone growth development, pulmonary function, and seasonal allergies are not of special concern with this drug.

[serike]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[jackie]

Great answer, keep it coming