Introduction

Introduction ( 5 Questions)

A nurse is evaluating a client who has ulcerative colitis and is receiving infliximab, a monoclonal antibody. What are some of the outcomes that indicate the effectiveness of the therapy?



Correct Answer: D

Infliximab is a monoclonal antibody that is used to treat ulcerative colitis and other inflammatory conditions by blocking the action of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), a cytokine that causes inflammation and tissue damage in the gut¹. It can be given intravenously every 8 weeks as a maintenance therapy for moderate to severe ulcerative colitis¹. However, it can also have some potential benefits and risks that the nurse should monitor.

 

The correct answer to your question is:

D. All of the above

 

This is because infliximab can improve the clinical outcomes of ulcerative colitis in several ways, such as:

 

A. Decreased frequency and severity of diarrhea, abdominal pain, and rectal bleeding:

These are the main symptoms of ulcerative colitis that affect the quality of life of patients. Infliximab can reduce these symptoms by healing the inflammation and ulcers in the colon and rectum. Several studies have shown that infliximab can induce and maintain clinical remission, response, and mucosal healing in patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis who are refractory to conventional therapies²³⁴.

 

B. Increased appetite, weight gain, energy level, and quality of life:

These are the secondary outcomes of ulcerative colitis that reflect the nutritional status and well-being of patients. Infliximab can improve these outcomes by reducing the systemic effects of inflammation, such as malabsorption, anemia, fatigue, and fever. Several studies have shown that infliximab can improve the health-related quality of life, nutritional status, and functional status of patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis²³⁴.

 

C. Normalized stool culture, blood count, electrolytes, and liver function tests:

These are the laboratory tests that indicate the severity and complications of ulcerative colitis. Infliximab can normalize these tests by reducing the bacterial translocation, blood loss, dehydration, and liver involvement that may occur in ulcerative colitis. Several studies have shown that infliximab can improve the stool culture, hemoglobin, albumin, C-reactive protein, and liver enzymes of patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis²³⁴.




Join Nursingprepexams Nursing for nursing questions & guides! Sign Up Now