Immune System Medications

Question 1

Immunosuppressants

Answer 1

Given to help the body top attacking itself
Given with organ transplant so body doesn’t reject new organ
Puts WBCs to rest
Bone marrow suppression is a side effect = risk for bleeding and infection

Question 2

Hydrocychlorriquine

Answer 2

Treats lupus
Decrease inflammation and fatigue = increased energy
Takes several months to work
Regular eye exams 6-12 months. Drug can cause eye damage

Question 3

Methotrexate

Answer 3

rheumatoid arthritis
Psoriasis
Certain types of cancer
stops folic acid metabolism which stops cellular reproduction
= very weak immune system
Low platelets = bleeding risk
Fetal death in pregnant clients
Avoid crowds, live vaccines, razors and hard tooth brushes
Report fever over 38

Surpresses b and T lymphocytes
flu vaccines are okay to get

Question 4

Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors

Answer 4

Etanerecpt
Infliximab
Adalimumab
Immunosuppression
Report elevated WBC and fever to HCP

TB can be reactivated!!
neg TB test needed before starting therapy
Yearly fly vaccine is recommended but no liiv vaccines
Cannot take med if you have chronic, reccurring or recent infections

Labs to report
Elevated WBCs
Elevated CRP (not most important lab)

Question 5

cyclosporine and Azathioprine

Answer 5

Given to prevent organ transplant rejection
life long drugs
Lower immune response to recent body from attacking new organ
Can also be given for RA and IBD

Before giving ing check WBCs and Plts
report leukopenia and monitor for bleeding - use contraception
Common side effect cyclosporine = gingival hyperplasia = expected

No grapefruit juice
Avoid crowds
Notify provider for any signs of infection
Take med for life
HCP with evaluate blood work regularly
Take med at same time everyday

Question 6

A patient is prescribed methotrexate for treatment of an autoimmune disorder. which patient report requires immediate assessment and intervention by the nurse?

Answer 6

I noticed I have develop tiny reddish -purple lesions all over my arms

Question 7

What should the nurse include in teaching for a patient newly prescribed hydorxychloroquine for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematous?

Answer 7

Report any new visual changes to your provider

Question 8

The nurse is instructing a patient with a severe allergy to wasp stings on the proper use of the epinephrine auto-injector. Which statement best demonstrates that teaching can been effective?

Answer 8

I will inject the medication into my outer thigh at the first sign of an allergic reaction

Question 9

Which lab result the nurse review prior to administration of etanercept to a patient with psoriatic arthritis? select all that apply

Answer 9

Tuberculin skin test (TB skin test)
White blood cell count
Red blood cell count