Which of the following chemotherapeutic agent is known as monoclonal antibody?

JIPMER Nursing Officer - 2020

Pharmacology

Easy

Appeared in: JIPMER Nursing Officer - 2020

Explanation

Rituximab is classified as a monoclonal antibody, a type of targeted cancer therapy.
The suffix "-mab" in a drug name is a standard nomenclature indicating it is a monoclonal antibody.
Its mechanism involves binding to the CD20 antigen, which is present on the surface of B-lymphocytes.
This binding action triggers cell lysis (destruction), making it effective against B-cell lymphomas, leukemias, and certain autoimmune conditions.

Option A: Rifaximin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, not a monoclonal antibody. Its action is localized to the gastrointestinal tract.
Option B: Interferon is a cytokine, which is a type of signaling protein used by the immune system. It is an immunomodulatory agent, not a monoclonal antibody.
Option D: Indinavir is an antiretroviral drug belonging to the protease inhibitor class. It is used to treat HIV infection.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Classification of chemotherapeutic and biologic agents as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses administering Rituximab must be vigilant for infusion-related reactions, which are common, especially during the first infusion. This includes monitoring vital signs closely and having emergency medications (like epinephrine, antihistamines, and corticosteroids) readily available.
Patient education should include signs of infection, as Rituximab depletes B-cells, increasing the risk of opportunistic infections. Patients should be advised to report any fever, chills, or sore throat immediately.
What if? If a patient develops a severe infusion reaction (e.g., hypotension, bronchospasm, angioedema) during the first dose of Rituximab, the nurse's immediate action is to stop the infusion, notify the provider, and administer emergency treatment as per protocol. The infusion may be restarted at a much slower rate only after the patient is stable.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the question stem to identify the core concept: it asks to identify a 'monoclonal antibody' from a list of chemotherapeutic agents.
Next, review the options. This is a factual recall question that tests knowledge of drug classifications.
A key test-taking strategy is to recognize drug name suffixes. The suffix '-mab' is the standard convention for 'monoclonal antibody'.
Scan the options for this suffix. 'Rituximab' ends in '-mab'.
Mentally confirm the classifications of the other drugs to be certain. Rifaximin (antibiotic), Interferon (cytokine), and Indinavir (antiviral) do not fit the required class.
Based on the suffix and knowledge of drug classes, select Rituximab as the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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