Hematologic System NCLEX Questions Related

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The client diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia receives a bone marrow transplant. Which medication to prevent graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) should the nurse plan to administer?

  • A. A cephalosporin antibiotic, such as ceftazidime
  • B. An immunosuppressant, such as cyclosporine
  • C. A chemotherapeutic agent, such as cisplatin
  • D. Peginterferon alfa-2a for prevention and treatment of hepatitis
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A. Antibiotics such as ceftazidime (Fortaz) are administered to prevent infection. B. GVHD occurs when the T lymphocytes proliferate from the transplanted donor marrow and mount an immune response against the recipient’s tissues. An immunosuppressant such as cyclosporine (Neoral) prevents the immune response. C. Cisplatin (Platinol AQ) is administered mainly to treat metastatic testicular, ovarian, and cervical carcinoma; advanced bladder cancer; and head and neck cancer. D. Interferons such as peginterferon alfa-2a (Pegasys) have antiviral activity, which decrease the progression of hepatic damage associated with hepatitis A and B. This would only be administered if the transplanted cells transmitted the disease. The biological agent interferon is used to treat follicular low-grade lymphomas.