A patient who is receiving chemotherapy is administered a ...

[student77]

A patient who is receiving chemotherapy is administered a corticosteroid agent. What is the mostly likely intended effect of this drug administration?
 
  A) Increased pulmonary function
  B) Decreased diarrhea
  C) Decreased infection susceptibility
  D) Decreased nausea

Question 2

A patient develops itching and burning of the vaginal vault while taking an anti-infective to treat strep throat. What fungal agent has most likely caused the burning and itching?
 
  A) Cryptococcus neoformans
  B) Candida albicans
  C) Aspergillus
  D) Dermatophytes

[nyrave]

Answer to Question 1

D
Feedback:
Corticosteroids have strong antiemetic effects; the mechanism is unknown. Corticosteroids diminish pulmonary inflammation, but this reaction is not related to chemotherapy administration. The administration of corticosteroids will decrease gastric inflammation but will not decrease diarrhea. The administration of corticosteroids will diminish the patient's ability to fight infection.

Answer to Question 2

B
Feedback:
Growth of Candida organisms is normally restrained by intact immune mechanisms and bacterial competition of nutrients. When these restraining forces are altered (antibacterial drug therapy), fungal overgrowth and opportunistic infection can occur. Cryptococcus neoformans organisms evade normal immune defense of phagocytosis. Aspergillus organisms produce protease. Dermatophytes grow on cool body surfaces.

[student77]

Thank you!

[nyrave]

Always glad to help...