A nurse is caring for a client who has leukemia and is receiving cytarabine, an antimetabolite, as part of chemotherapy. Which of the following laboratory tests should the nurse monitor for adverse effects of this drug?
Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels
Serum potassium and magnesium levels
Complete blood count and differential
Serum bilirubin and liver enzyme levels
The Correct Answer is C
Choice C reason:
This is the laboratory test that the nurse should monitor for adverse effects of cytarabine, which is an antimetabolite chemotherapy drug that works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells. The main adverse effect of cytarabine is bone marrow suppression, which is the decrease in the production of blood cells, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This can cause anemia, increased risk of infection, and bleeding problems. The nurse should monitor the complete blood count and differential, which measure the number and type of blood cells in a sample of blood. The nurse should report any abnormal results to the provider and provide supportive care as ordered³.
Choice A reason:
These are not the laboratory tests that the nurse should monitor for adverse effects of cytarabine, but rather of cisplatin, which is another chemotherapy drug that can cause kidney damage or failure. Cisplatin can accumulate in the kidney cells and cause oxidative stress and cell death. The nurse should monitor the serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels, which are markers of kidney function that reflect the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). An increase in these levels indicates a decrease in GFR and a loss of kidney function. The nurse should report any abnormal results to the provider and provide fluids and electrolytes as ordered⁴.
Choice B reason:
These are not the laboratory tests that the nurse should monitor for adverse effects of cytarabine, but rather of amphotericin B, which is an antifungal drug that can cause electrolyte imbalance. Amphotericin B can affect the transport of sodium and potassium across cell membranes and cause renal tubular acidosis. The nurse should monitor the serum potassium and magnesium levels, which are important electrolytes for nerve and muscle function. A decrease in these levels can cause muscle weakness, cramps, arrhythmias, and seizures. The nurse should report any abnormal results to the provider and provide supplements as ordered .
Choice D reason:
These are not the laboratory tests that the nurse should monitor for adverse effects of cytarabine, but rather of methotrexate, which is another antimetabolite chemotherapy drug that can cause liver damage or failure. Methotrexate can interfere with the metabolism of folate and cause accumulation of toxic metabolites in the liver cells. The nurse should monitor the serum bilirubin and liver enzyme levels, which are markers of liver function that reflect the liver's ability to process bilirubin and other substances. An increase in these levels indicates liver injury or inflammation. The nurse should report any abnormal results to the provider and provide folinic acid as ordered .
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Epoetin alfa (Epogen) is a drug that stimulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow, not platelets⁴. It is used to treat anemia caused by chemotherapy, chronic kidney disease, or other conditions.
Choice B reason:
Filgrastim (Neupogen) is a drug that stimulates the production of white blood cells in the bone marrow, not platelets⁴. It is used to prevent or treat neutropenia caused by chemotherapy, bone marrow transplant, or other conditions.
Choice C reason:
Sargramostim (Leukine) is a drug that stimulates the production of white blood cells and red blood cells in the bone marrow, not platelets⁴. It is used to prevent or treat neutropenia caused by chemotherapy, bone marrow transplant, or other conditions.
Choice D reason:
Oprelvekin (Neumega) is a drug that stimulates the production of platelets in the bone marrow⁴. It is used to prevent or treat thrombocytopenia caused by chemotherapy. It works by mimicking the action of thrombopoietin, a hormone that regulates platelet development.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice D reason:
These are all interventions that can prevent nephrotoxicity from cisplatin, which is a potent and valuable chemotherapy drug that can cause kidney damage or failure. Nephrotoxicity is one of the most serious and doselimiting adverse effects of cisplatin, which can affect up to 30% of patients. Nephrotoxicity is caused by the accumulation of cisplatin in the renal tubular cells, leading to cell injury, inflammation, and ischemia³.
Choice A reason:
Administering mannitol as prescribed before cisplatin infusion can prevent nephrotoxicity by increasing urine output and reducing the concentration of cisplatin in the kidney. Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic that draws water from the extracellular space into the tubular lumen, thereby increasing urine volume and flow rate. Mannitol can also scavenge free radicals and reduce oxidative stress induced by cisplatin⁴.
Choice B reason:
Monitoring serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels daily can prevent nephrotoxicity by detecting early signs of renal impairment and adjusting the dose of cisplatin accordingly. Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen are markers of kidney function that reflect the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). An increase in these levels indicates a decrease in GFR and a loss of kidney function. The dose of cisplatin should be reduced or withheld if serum creatinine or blood urea nitrogen levels rise above a certain threshold⁴.
Choice C reason:
Encouraging fluid intake of at least 3 L per day during treatment can prevent nephrotoxicity by maintaining adequate hydration and preventing dehydration. Hydration is essential for preventing cisplatininduced renal toxicity, as it dilutes the concentration of cisplatin in the kidney and enhances its elimination. Dehydration can increase the risk of nephrotoxicity by reducing renal blood flow and causing tubular obstruction by uric acid crystals. Fluid intake can be oral or intravenous, depending on the patient's condition⁴.
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