Author Question: Which nursing intervention would help minimize side effects in a client receiving antithymocyte ... (Read 63 times)

jilianpiloj · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

Which nursing intervention would help minimize side effects in a client receiving antithymocyte (Atgam) therapy?

1. Administering acetaminophen
2. Providing cough syrup
3. Limiting visitors
4. Limiting fluid intake

Question 2

Methylprednisolone is added to a client's chemotherapeutic regimen. Which effects would the nurse expect if the drug is taken long term?

Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. Hyperglycemia
2. Fluid retention
3. Hypotension
4. Osteoporosis
5. Mental status changes

Viet Thy · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: Acetaminophen will help prevent the flulike symptoms that accompany cytokine release syndrome.
Rationale 2: Cough syrup is not indicated.
Rationale 3: There is no indication to limit visitors.
Rationale 4: Fluid intake should be increased.
Global Rationale: The most common adverse effects are fever, chills, malaise, headache, diarrhea, itching, and other flulike symptoms. Corticosteroids, antihistamines, or acetaminophen may be administered 1 hour prior to antithymocyte globulin therapy to prevent cytokine release syndrome. Cough syrup, limiting visitors, and limiting fluid intake are not indicated.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1,2,4,5
Rationale 1: Hyperglycemia could occur due to increased glucose metabolism.
Rationale 2: Fluid retention could occur due to sodium and water retention.
Rationale 3: Hypertension, not hypotension, is more likely to occur.
Rationale 4: Osteoporosis can occur due to bone resorption.
Rationale 5: Mental changes can occur due to fluid retention.
Global Rationale: The long-term adverse effects of corticosteroids are serious and include osteoporosis, cataract formation, mental status changes, fluid and salt retention, HTN, hyperglycemia, obesity, and adrenal atrophy. Because of their long-term effects, health care providers have begun to look at the possibility of eliminating corticosteroids from the transplant regimen. Hypotension is not related to this therapy.