J.L is a 28-year-old female patient is admitted to the oncology unit with a diagnosis of suspected Hodgkin’s disease. The diagnosis is confirmed after a biopsy. J.L. is started on treatment, which consists of colony stimulating factors (CSFs) and chemotherapy.

1. Colony stimulating factors (CSF) are one type of biologic response modifiers (BRMs). What are BRMs and why are they given to patients with cancer?
2. What are CSFs? How are they useful to patients undergoing cancer treatment?
3. What would indicate a need for erythropoietin-stimulating agent like epoetin alpha? What are the nursing interventions, side effects, and patient teaching for this medication? What vital sign is the most important to monitor and why?
4. What would indicate a need for filgrastim? What are the nursing interventions, side effects, and patient teaching for this medication?
5. After 4 days, J.L’s labs are: hemoglobin 12.8 g/dL and BP is 168/93. What is the explanation for these changes in labs and BP? What are your concerns?