What is the purpose of administering filgrastim (Neupogen) to a patient who is post-bowel resection resulting from cancer?

Rationale:

A. Euphoria is not a common sign of chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity. It may occur with certain medications affecting mood, but it is not indicative of nerve damage from chemotherapy.

B. Paresthesia, which includes numbness, tingling, or a “pins and needles” sensation, is a hallmark sign of peripheral neuropathy, a common form of neurotoxicity caused by chemotherapy. Drugs such as cisplatin, paclitaxel, and vincristine can damage peripheral nerves, leading to sensory changes, motor weakness, or altered coordination. Early recognition allows interventions to prevent further nerve damage and improve quality of life.

C. Nausea is a common gastrointestinal side effect of chemotherapy, but it is not a sign of neurotoxicity. While it may indirectly affect the nervous system through dehydration or electrolyte imbalance, it does not indicate direct nerve injury.

D. Hallucinations are not typical of chemotherapy-related neurotoxicity. They may occur with high-dose corticosteroids, CNS involvement by cancer, or certain medications, but they are not a standard indicator of peripheral neuropathy.

Rationale:

A. Filgrastim does not reduce GI toxicity. It specifically targets the bone marrow to stimulate white blood cell production and does not affect nausea, diarrhea, or mucositis caused by chemotherapy.

B. Filgrastim does the opposite of immune suppression. It stimulates the bone marrow to produce neutrophils, enhancing the patient’s immune function, especially after chemotherapy or surgery.

C. Filgrastim has no effect on nausea, vomiting, or appetite. Antiemetic medications, not filgrastim, are used to manage these symptoms.

D. Filgrastim (Neupogen) is a colony-stimulating factor that promotes the production of neutrophils in the bone marrow. After bowel resection and chemotherapy, patients are at risk for neutropenia, which increases susceptibility to infection. Administering filgrastim helps raise WBC counts, enhancing immune defense and reducing infection risk.