Question

a nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for etanercept. the nurse should identify that etanercept treats rheumatoid arthritis by which of the following actions?

• inactivation of tumor necrosis factor
• inhibition of osteoclast activity
• decreasing the reuptake of serotonin
• interference with the production of lymphocytes

Explanation:

Etanercept is a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor. TNF is a pro - inflammatory cytokine that plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. By inactivating TNF, etanercept reduces inflammation, joint damage, and other symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

• Inhibition of osteoclast activity is more related to drugs like bisphosphonates which are used for osteoporosis.
• Decreasing the reuptake of serotonin is the mechanism of action of antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
• Interference with the production of lymphocytes is a non - specific and incorrect mechanism for etanercept's action in rheumatoid arthritis.

Answer:

Inactivation of tumor necrosis factor.