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ATI Pharm Made Easy: The Immune
System Test Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
What is the primary purpose of immunosuppressant drugs?✔✔To reduce the activity of the immune system, often to prevent organ rejection or treat autoimmune conditions.
Why should patients on chemotherapy avoid crowds and sick people?✔✔Because chemotherapy weakens the immune system, increasing the risk of infection.
What lab value is most important to monitor in a patient receiving filgrastim (Neupogen)?✔✔White blood cell count, especially neutrophil levels.
What serious side effect should a nurse monitor for in a patient taking doxorubicin?✔✔Cardiotoxicity or heart damage.
Why is it important to assess for fever in a patient receiving cyclophosphamide? 1 / 3
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✔✔Fever can be a sign of infection, which is dangerous due to suppressed immunity.
What is the intended effect of interferon alfa-2b in cancer treatment?✔✔To boost the immune system’s ability to fight cancer cells.
How does methotrexate work in the body?✔✔It inhibits folic acid metabolism, preventing cancer cell growth and replication.
What is a key teaching point for patients taking azathioprine?✔✔Report any signs of infection, such as sore throat or fever, immediately.
What is the mechanism of action for monoclonal antibodies like rituximab?✔✔They bind to specific antigens on cancer cells and help the immune system destroy them.
What adverse effect should be monitored in patients taking interferon therapy?✔✔Flu-like symptoms such as chills, fever, and fatigue.
Why is leucovorin often given with methotrexate? 2 / 3
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✔✔To protect healthy cells and reduce toxicity, a process known as leucovorin rescue.
Why should patients avoid live vaccines while on immunosuppressants?✔✔Live vaccines can cause infection in immunocompromised individuals.
What is the primary purpose of colony-stimulating factors like filgrastim?✔✔To increase the production of white blood cells and reduce the risk of infection.
Why should patients taking cytotoxic drugs use contraception?✔✔These drugs are teratogenic and can harm a developing fetus.
What is a long-term risk of taking immunosuppressive therapy?✔✔Increased risk of cancers, such as lymphoma or skin cancer.
Why is it important to monitor for bleeding in patients taking cytarabine?✔✔Because cytarabine can cause thrombocytopenia, increasing bleeding risk.
What should a patient do if they develop mouth sores while on chemotherapy?
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