How to answer nursing exam questions on Immunosuppresants- Azathioprine

imuran

This article is focused on how to answer nursing exam questions on immunosuppressants. Azathioprine (imuran) in particular.

Instructions

1. KNow the drug name, its class and other medications in the same class

   In this case the name of the drug is Azathioprine (imuran). The class is immunosuppressant and other medications in the same class are Basiliximab, Daclizumab, Cyclosporine,Muromonab,Mycophenolate, Sirolimus and Tacrolimus.

2. Know the physiologic action
   Immunosuppressants inhibit the inflammatory response and block immune response to antigens.They inhibit the T cells and block the production of antibodies.

3. Know the therapeutic action

   The reason why an immunosuppressant may be given is that they prevent rejection of organs that have been transplanted. They also help with rheumatoid athritis by decreasing the immune response

4. KNow the side effect
   Hepatotoxicity and or nephrotoxicity
   There is an increased risk of infection due to the depressed immune system
   Pulmonary edema,alopecia,hypotension,skin rash
   Bone marrow suppression,thrombocytopenia and suprainfection

5. Know what labs to monitor
   SInce this medication affects the liver and kidney, then studies on these 2 should be monitored
   Monitor platelet count, complete blood cell count

6. KNow what the nursing interventions may be
   Assess for signs and syptoms of infection
   Provide supportive care ofr flu like symptoms
   Assess nutritional status
   Teach client the need for lab studies, infection prevention and about their medication

7. Other things you need to know
   Azatioprine is contraindicated in pregnany, lactation or in a case of alergy to the medication

Resources

• review courses for student nurses