A patient is being treated with interferon beta-1a (Avonex) for ...

[yoroshambo]

A patient is being treated with interferon beta-1a (Avonex) for relapsing-remitting MS. The patient calls the clinic to report headache, fever, chills, and muscle aches after administering a dose. What will the nurse recommend?
 
  a. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen
  b. Asking the provider to order a complete blood count (CBC)
  c. Coming to the clinic for evaluation for leukoencephalopathy
  d. Discontinuing the drug immediately

Question 2

A patient has been diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis for 1 year and reports a recent brief period of being symptom free. The nurse will tell the patient that this indicates what?
 
  a. Hope for long-term remission
  b. Temporary improvement
  c. Development of relapsing-remitting MS
  d. Development of secondary progressive MS

[marict]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Patients treated with interferon beta can experience flulike reactions that diminish over time. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be used to treat symptoms. A CBC is not indicated. Leukoencephalopathy is a side effect of natalizumab, not interferon beta. It is not necessary to discontinue the drug.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Patients with primary progressive MS have symptoms that grow progressively more intense over time; patients may experience occasional plateaus or temporary improvement, but they do not have clear remissions. This episode does not represent hope for long-term remission or the development of a different subtype of MS.

[yoroshambo]

Excellent

[Joy Chen]

TYSM