Question

A patient has been diagnosed with hairy cell leukemia. The patient is to begin taking interferon alfa 2b. What will the nurse include in her instructions to the patient concerning this drug?

A) Avoid drinking alcohol while taking the drug.
B) Continue to maintain maximal physical activity.
C) Increase fluid intake while taking the drug.
D) Treat constipation with over-the-counter laxatives.

Answer 1

Increase fluid intake while taking the drug.

Step-by-step explanation:

Cancer is the uncontrolled division of the cells that might occur due to mutation in the tumor suppressor gene or in the proto oncogene. Leukemia is the cancer of white blood cells.

The interferon alfa 2b injections are given to the patients for the treatment of leukemia. This drug has harmful effects as well and can cause excessive bloody diarrhea, cough and even depression. The patient must increase the fluid intake to prevent himself from the diarrhea.

Thus, the answer is option (C).

Answer 2

The correct answer is - option C.

Explanation:

Interferon alfa-2b is a medication that is used to treat malignant melanoma, hairy cell leukemia, and other conditions. It is also used to treat chronic hepatitis B or C in adults.

It is the drug that does not kill the infectious agent or malignant cell but boosts the immune system and helps in producing proteins that help in curing the condition which may lead to several side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea and weakness and many more on the basis it is advised to drink plenty of the water.

Thus, the correct answer is - option C.