drug therapy for immune suppression

Question 1

why would you want to suppress the immune system?

Answer 1

inapropriate immune responses like…
- allergies
- autoimmune disorders
- transplant rejection

Question 2

give examples of cytotoxic immunosuppressive agents

Answer 2

• mycophenolate
• methotrexate

Question 3

describe the action of cytotoxic immunosuppressive agents

Answer 3

blocks cellular (B and T cells) reproductions, growth, and development

Question 4

what are cytotoxic immunosuppressive agents used for

Answer 4

• prevent organ rejection
• treat autoimmune disorders
• high dose for cancer tx

Question 5

what are some adverse effects of cytotoxic immunosuppressive agents

Answer 5

• GI effects
• infection
• malignancy
• liver toxicity

Question 6

whats a contraindication of cytotoxic immunosuppressive agents

Answer 6

pregnancy

Question 7

name a conventional antirejection agent

Answer 7

cyclosporine

Question 8

describe the action of conventional antirejection agents

Answer 8

reduce activity of immune (B and T) cells

Question 9

what are conventional antirejection agents used for

Answer 9

transplant rejection

Question 10

what are some adverse effects of conventional antirejection agents

Answer 10

black box warning for hypertension and nephrotoxicity

• infections
• cancers

Question 11

whats a contraindication for conventional antirejection agents

Answer 11

pregnancy

Question 12

describe monoclonal antibodies

Answer 12

created in a lab to suppress a specific component of the immune system that causes tissue damage in a specific disorder
- block cellular growth
- block cytokine release
- make cell more visible to immune system
- block growth signals

these end in -mab

Question 13

give an example of a monoclonal antibody

Answer 13

adalimumab

Question 14

describe the action of monoclonal antibodies

Answer 14

suppress immune system and decrease tissue inflammation

Question 15

what are monoclonal antibodies used for

Answer 15

treat a variety of autoimmune diseases (RA, crohns)

Question 16

what are some adverse effects of monoclonal antibodies

Answer 16

• acute pulmonary edema
• fluid retention

Question 17

what are some contraindications of monoclonal antibodies

Answer 17

• active infection
• fever
• pregnancy

Question 18

give an example of cytokine inhibitor

Answer 18

abatacept

Question 19

describe the action of cytokine inhibitors

Answer 19

• prevents the activation and production of cytokines
• decreases inflammation and limits joint destruction

Question 20

what are cytokine inhibitors used for

Answer 20

rheumatoid arthritis

Question 21

what are some adverse effects of cytokine inhibitors

Answer 21

• dizziness, HA
• infection

Question 22

whats a contraindication of cytokine inhibitors

Answer 22

pregnancy

Question 23

what are some nursing considerations for immune suppressants

Answer 23

• HAND HYGIENE
• monitor temp
• lifelong tx for organ transplant

Question 24

whats some patient teaching to include for cytokine inhibitors

Answer 24

• HAND HYGIENE
• clean environment
• avoid fresh flowers
• avoid fresh fruits and veggies
• barrier contraception
• routine cancer screenings

Question 25

monoclonal antibodies are made to target specific antigens. which of the following actions by monoclonal antibodies can be used on a target cell? (select all that apply) 1) make cell more visible to immune system 2) block growth signlas 3) block cytokine release 4) increse WBC count

Answer 25

1) make cell more visible to immune system 2) block growth signlas 3) block cytokine release *MABs are made to suppress a specific part of immune response or make cells more visible to immune system to stop tissue or cell damage*