Nursing Process Test Questions Related

Review Nursing Process Test Questions related questions and content

A client is receiving methotrexate (Mexate), 12g/m2 IV to treat osteogenic carcinoma. During methotrexate therapy, the nurse expects the client to receive which other drug to protect normal cells?

  • A. Probenecid (Benemid)
  • B. Cytarabine (ara-C, cystosine arabinoside [Cytosar-U])
  • C. Thioguanine (6-thioguanine, 6-TG)
  • D. Leucovorin (Citrovorum factor or folinic acid [wellcovirin])
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Leucovorin. Leucovorin is administered with methotrexate to protect normal cells from methotrexate toxicity by acting as a "rescue" agent. Methotrexate inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, leading to decreased levels of tetrahydrofolate needed for DNA synthesis. Leucovorin bypasses this step by directly providing the reduced form of folic acid, thus preventing toxicity in normal cells. Probenecid (choice A) is not used to protect normal cells during methotrexate therapy. Cytarabine (choice B) and Thioguanine (choice C) are not rescue agents for methotrexate toxicity.