Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Caring for Clients With Immune-Mediated Disorders Related

Review Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Caring for Clients With Immune-Mediated Disorders related questions and content

A client with lupus has had antineoplastic drugs prescribed. Why would the physician prescribe antineoplastic drugs for an autoimmune disorder?

  • A. To decrease the body's risk of infection
  • B. Because an autoimmune disease is a neoplastic disease.
  • C. So the client has strong drug therapy
  • D. For their immunosuppressant effects
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Drug therapy using anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agents is the mainstay for alleviating symptoms. Some antineoplastic (cancer) drugs also are used for their immunosuppressant effects. Antineoplastic drugs do not decrease the body's risk of infection; an autoimmune disease is not a neoplastic disease. Drugs are not prescribed just so the client has strong drug therapy.