Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy in Oncology
Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy in Oncology ( 5 Questions)
A nurse is caring for a client who has melanoma and is receiving interferon alfa2b, an immunomodulator, as part of immunotherapy. The client tells the nurse that he feels tired, achy, and feverish after each injection. The nurse should respond by saying:
These are not normal side effects of interferon alfa2b, but symptoms of flulike syndrome, which is a common and potentially serious adverse effect of interferon alfa2b, an immunomodulator that enhances the immune system's ability to recognize and eliminate cancer cells. Interferon alfa2b is used to treat melanoma, a type of skin cancer that develops from melanocytes. Flulike syndrome can cause fever, chills, fatigue, myalgia, headache, and malaise. These symptoms may not go away after a few days, but may persist or worsen during the course of treatment.
These are not signs of an allergic reaction to interferon alfa2b, but symptoms of flulike syndrome caused by interferon alfa2b. An allergic reaction to interferon alfa2b would manifest as rash, urticaria, pruritus, angioedema, or anaphylaxis. The client should not stop taking interferon alfa2b without consulting the provider, as this may compromise the effectiveness of the treatment.
These are symptoms of flulike syndrome caused by interferon alfa2b. The nurse should explain to the client that flulike syndrome is a common adverse effect of interferon alfa2b and provide education on how to manage it. The nurse should advise the client to take acetaminophen as prescribed to reduce fever and pain, drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, rest as needed to conserve energy, and report any severe or persistent symptoms to the provider.
These are not indications of bone marrow suppression caused by interferon alfa2b, but symptoms of flulike syndrome caused by interferon alfa2b. Bone marrow suppression is another possible adverse effect of interferon alfa2b, which can result in leukopenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. Bone marrow suppression can cause symptoms such as infection, bleeding, or pallor. The client should have their blood counts monitored regularly and receive supportive care as needed.
Choice A reason:
These are not normal side effects of interferon alfa2b, but symptoms of flulike syndrome, which is a common and potentially serious adverse effect of interferon alfa2b, an immunomodulator that enhances the immune system's ability to recognize and eliminate cancer cells. Interferon alfa2b is used to treat melanoma, a type of skin cancer that develops from melanocytes. Flulike syndrome can cause fever, chills, fatigue, myalgia, headache, and malaise. These symptoms may not go away after a few days, but may persist or worsen during the course of treatment.
Choice B reason:
These are not signs of an allergic reaction to interferon alfa2b, but symptoms of flulike syndrome caused by interferon alfa2b. An allergic reaction to interferon alfa2b would manifest as rash, urticaria, pruritus, angioedema, or anaphylaxis. The client should not stop taking interferon alfa2b without consulting the provider, as this may compromise the effectiveness of the treatment.
Choice C reason:
These are symptoms of flulike syndrome caused by interferon alfa2b. The nurse should explain to the client that flulike syndrome is a common adverse effect of interferon alfa2b and provide education on how to manage it. The nurse should advise the client to take acetaminophen as prescribed to reduce fever and pain, drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, rest as needed to conserve energy, and report any severe or persistent symptoms to the provider.
Choice D reason:
These are not indications of bone marrow suppression caused by interferon alfa2b, but symptoms of flulike syndrome caused by interferon alfa2b. Bone marrow suppression is another possible adverse effect of interferon alfa2b, which can result in leukopenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. Bone marrow suppression can cause symptoms such as infection, bleeding, or pallor. The client should have their blood counts monitored regularly and receive supportive care as needed.