Author Question: A client will be taking interferon alfa-2b (Intron A) as treatment for hairy cell leukemia. The ... (Read 109 times)

AEWBW · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A client will be taking interferon alfa-2b (Intron A) as treatment for hairy cell leukemia. The nurse advises this client about which common adverse effects?

Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. Nausea
2. Fever
3. Dizziness
4. Headache
5. Rash

Question 2

The nursing student correctly identifies what advantage of cyclosporine for the prevention of allograft rejection?

1. Increases white blood cell count
2. Can be administered subcutaneously
3. Decreases the risk of infection
4. Is less harmful to bone marrow

connor417 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1,2,3,4
Rationale 1: Nausea is a common adverse effect of interferon alfa-2b.
Rationale 2: Fever is a common adverse effect of interferon alfa-2b.
Rationale 3: Dizziness is a common adverse effect of interferon alfa-2b.
Rationale 4: Headache is a common adverse effect of interferon alfa-2b.
Rationale 5: Rash is not a common adverse effect of interferon alfa-2b and should be reported.
Global Rationale: The most common adverse effect of IFN therapy is a flulike syndrome of fever, chills, dizziness, weight loss, and fatigue that occurs in about 50 of patients and that usually diminishes as therapy progresses. Fatigue may be severe at higher doses. Headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia are relatively common. Rash is not a common effect and should be reported.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 1: Cyclosporine does not increase the white cell count; it decreases it.
Rationale 2: The route of administration for cyclosporine is PO, IV ophthalmic.
Rationale 3: Cyclosporine does not decrease the risk of infection; it increases it.
Rationale 4: Cyclosporine is less harmful to bone marrow cells.
Global Rationale: Unlike some of the more cytotoxic immunosuppressants, cyclosporine is less harmful to bone marrow cells. When prescribed for transplant recipients, it is often used in combination with a corticosteroid such as prednisone. The drug decreases white blood cell count, is administered orally, intravenously, or as an ophthalmic, and increases risk for infection.