A toddler diagnosed with leukemia is being treated with mercaptopurine. The nurse expects which of the following as adverse reactions?

Explanation

• Mercaptopurine causes myelosuppression (depression of the bone marrow, which is where red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets are made), which causes anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. It may also cause alopecia, anorexia, nausea, or vomiting.

• Mercaptopurine is an anti-metabolite that disrupts DNA and RNA synthesis.

• The other options are not adverse reactions associated with mercaptopurine. It may be hepatotoxic, not nephrotoxic.

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