The nurse is caring for a patient with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. ...

[kwoodring]

The nurse is caring for a patient with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. The patient has been taking bexarotene (Targretin). Which laboratory finding would most concern the nurse?
 
  a. Serum albumin 5 gm/dL
  b. Serum creatinine 1 mg/dL
  c. Triglycerides 128 mg/dL
  d. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol 300 mg/dL

Question 2

The nurse on an oncology unit is administering cetuximab (Erbitux). To reduce the risk of a severe reaction, the nurse should pretreat the patient with
 
  a. acetaminophen (Tylenol).
  b. diphenhydramine (Benadryl) IV.
  c. bronchodilator.
  d. aspirin.

[stanleka1]

Answer to Question 1

D
The nurse should be most concerned about an LDL cholesterol of 300 mg/dL, because this may indicate major lipid abnormalities, which are associated with the use of bexarotene.
The serum albumin level is normal. Serum albumin is not monitored with bexarotene.
The serum creatinine level also is a normal finding. Serum creatinine is not monitored with bex-arotene.
The triglyceride level is within normal limits.

Answer to Question 2

B
The patient should be pretreated with diphenhydramine IV to reduce the risk of a severe reaction.
Tylenol, a bronchodilator, and aspirin are not indicated to reduce the risk of a severe reaction associated with cetuximab.