Chapter 69 Immunosuppressants Flashcards
What do immunosuppressant drugs do and how long must they be taken by the patient?
They inhibit a person’s immune response and must be taken for one’s entire life.
What are 2 primary purposes for taking an Immunosuppressant drug?
- To prevent rejection of transplanted organs
2. For treatment of various autoimmune disorders
What do patients have an increased risk for when taking an Immunosuppressant drug? (2)
- Increased risk for infection
2. Increased risk for neoplasms (cancers)
Which Immunosuppressant drug inhibits the production of T-cells?
Cyclosporine
Which immunosuppresasant drug is the drug of choice for patient’s who’s purpose of taking the drug, is to prevent organ rejection?
Cyclosporine
What are the clinical manifestations that arise when a patient may be going through organ rejection? (4)
- Tenderness
- Fever
- Elevated BUN and Creatinine
- Ultrasound, biopsy, renal flow scan
Is Cyclosporine preferred route via IV or PO?
The preferred route for Cylcosporine is PO, but IV doses are possible
What are the adverse effects of taking Cylcosporine? (7)
- Nephrotoxicity
- Infection
- HTN (hypertension)
- Hepatotoxicity
- Lymphomas
- Hirsutism
- Anaphylactic reactions
What are the nursing considerations for the drug Cyclosporine? (7)
- Requires special handling
- Monitor kidney function
- Monitor for infection
- Monitor for organ rejection
- Monitor for liver function
- Avoid grapefruit juice
- Contraindicated with pregnancy
What Immunosuppressant drug is considered more effective but more toxic than Cylcosporine?
This drug has similar adverse effects as Cyclosporine.
What needs to be done if this drug is taken instead of Cyclosporine?
Tacrolimus - toxicity needs to be monitored more closely
What is a cytotoxic medication/Immunosuppressant that kills B and T lymphocytes and is not specific?
Which organ can this drug have adverse effects on?
Methrotrexate
This drug can have adverse effects on the liver and cause damage.
Which Immunosuppressant was first originally developed to treat cancer?
Methotrexate
What’s an important factor when prescribing and administering the Immunosuppressant drug Methotrexate? Why?
Methrotrexate is a high-alert medication. Meaning, a medication error can cause significant harm to the patient.
Which Immunosuppressant drug is an antibody used to suppress the immune system?
Muromonab-CD3
Which Immunosuppressant drug blocks T-cell function?
Muromonab-CD3
