Antiviral Agents

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Chapter 10- Antiviral Agents 1. The nurse explains why viruses are so difficult to treat when making what statement? A) Viruses are contained inside the human cell and cannot be destroyed without de... stroying the cell. B) Release of interferons by the host cell makes the virus replicate more quickly allowing the virus to spread. C) Drugs exist to treat all viral infections but they carry serious adverse effects and the benefit often does not outweigh the risk. D) Individual antiviral drugs are often effective in treating many different viruses because one virus in a category behaves like others in the same category. Ans: A Feedback: Because viruses are contained inside human cells while they are in the body, researchers have difficulty developing effective drugs that destroy a virus without harming the human host. Interferons are released by the host in response to viral invasion of a cell and act to prevent the replication of that particular virus. Some interferons that affect particular viruses can now be genetically engineered to treat particular viral infections. Other drugs that are used in treating viral infections are not natural substances and have been effective against only a limited number of viruses. Very few viruses are treatable with medications; a few more can be prevented through immunization but most have no known treatment. Each antiviral is generally only suited to treat the single virus it was developed for and will not be effective against other viruses. 2. While calculating the drug dose of antiviral medications for children who have AIDS a pediatric nurse uses what? A) The viral complications B) The child’s age C) The severity of the virus D) The child’s weight Ans: D Feedback: Antiviral medication dosages for children are calculated according to weight. There is no scientific data available concerning dosages based on complications or severity of illness. The ethical dilemma using children in drug studies is always a concern. Children must be monitored very carefully for adverse effects on kidneys, bone marrow, and the liver. The complications and severity of the disease may determine which drug is prescribed. [Show More]

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