A Patient with Multiple Sclerosis Is to Begin Treatment with Interferon

question 6

Multiple Choice

A patient with multiple sclerosis is to begin treatment with interferon beta. The patient comes to the clinic to have pretreatment laboratory tests. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching about these tests?

• A) "After the first year of treatment, I will need once yearly blood work."
• B) "I will need to have lab tests done every 3 months for the first year."
• C) "If my liver function tests are abnormal, I will need to stop using this drug."
• D) "These lab tests will measure liver and bone marrow function."

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Definitions:

Variable-Ratio

A reinforcement schedule where a response is rewarded after an unpredictable number of responses, enhancing the response rate.

Compound

A substance made up of two or more elements chemically bonded together, characterized by having properties distinct from its component elements.

DRO

Differential Reinforcement of Other behavior, a technique used in behavior therapy where reinforcement is given for any response other than a targeted undesired behavior.

Contingency Reinforcement Schedule

A plan or method in operant conditioning by which a certain behavior is reinforced based on meeting specific conditions or criteria.