Hematopoietic Growth Factors
What is the primary function of hematopoietic growth factors?
They stimulate the production of blood cells in the bone marrow.
What is the primary function of colony-stimulating factors (CSFs)?
They stimulate the production of white blood cells in the bone marrow.
What are the therapeutic uses of interleukins?
Treatment of certain cancers and autoimmune diseases.
What condition is erythropoietin commonly prescribed for?
Anemia, especially in chronic kidney disease patients.
What is the role of immunostimulants in therapy?
They enhance the body’s immune response.
Name a common side effect of hematopoietic growth factors.
Bone pain, fever, injection site reactions, fatigue, headache, nausea, muscle aches.
Name two types of colony-stimulating factors and their specific targets.
1. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) targets neutrophils
2. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) targets neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, and macrophages
3. Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor (M-CSF) targets monocytes/macrophages
What are common side effects of interferon therapy?
Flu-like symptoms, fatigue, depression and anxiety, nausea and vomiting, injection site reactions, hair thinning, reduced appetite and weight loss, bone pain, decreased blood cell counts.
How does erythropoietin work in the body?
It stimulates the production of red blood cells.
How are immunostimulants valuable for cancer treatment?
These immunostimulants work by enhancing the body’s natural immune response to target and destroy cancer cells, making them valuable tools in cancer therapy.
How do hematopoietic growth factors benefit cancer patients?
They help replenish blood cells depleted by chemotherapy.
What are common clinical uses of colony-stimulating factors?
They are used to reduce the risk of infection in patients undergoing chemotherapy, to treat neutropenia, and to support bone marrow recovery after transplantation.
How do interferons help in treating viral infections?
They boost the immune system’s ability to fight viruses.
What are common side effects of erythropoietin?
Hypertension, headache, flu-like symptoms, injection site reactions, nausea and vomiting, fever, dizziness.
What are common side effects of immunostimulants?
Flu-like symptoms, injection site reactions, fatigue, drowsiness, GI issues, constipation, low blood cell counts, neuropathy, skin reactions, mood changes.
What is the role of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)?
It stimulates the production of neutrophils.
What are common side effects of colony-stimulating factors?
Bone pain, fever, injection site reactions, fatigue, headache, nausea, muscle aches, allergic reactions, capillary leak syndrome.
What patient education should be provided regarding interferon therapy?
Educate about managing flu-like symptoms and the importance of mental health monitoring.
What should a nurse assess before administering erythropoietin?
Hemoglobin levels and blood pressure.
What patient education is important for immunostimulants?
Educating about potential side effects and the importance of adhering to the treatment schedule.
What nursing assessment is crucial before administering hematopoietic growth factors?
Checking the patient’s complete blood count (CBC).
What nursing assessments are important before administering colony-stimulating factors?
Assess the patient’s white blood cell count, check for signs of infection, and review the patient’s medical history for any contraindications.
What nursing assessments are important before starting interleukin therapy?
Assessing baseline liver function tests and monitoring for signs of infection.
What patient education is important for erythropoietin therapy?
Educate about the importance of regular blood tests and monitoring blood pressure.
What nursing considerations are important when administering immunostimulants?
Monitoring for signs of an allergic reaction and educating the patient about managing side effects.