Chemotherapy Biotherapy Certification ONS Practice Testq

What is the primary role of G-CSF in chemotherapy patients?

1. Increase appetite

2. Reduce infection risks

3. Enhance platelet production

4. Stimulate lymphocyte activity

The correct answer is: Reduce infection risks

The primary role of Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) in chemotherapy patients is to reduce infection risks. Chemotherapy often leads to myelosuppression, which is a decrease in bone marrow activity, resulting in lower levels of white blood cells, particularly neutrophils. Neutrophils play a crucial role in the immune response and help the body fight off infections. G-CSF works by stimulating the bone marrow to produce more neutrophils and enhances their release into the bloodstream. By increasing the neutrophil count, G-CSF effectively helps reduce the risk of febrile neutropenia, a potentially serious complication characterized by fever and low neutrophil levels, which can lead to infections. In contrast, the other options relate to different aspects of patient care or function but do not reflect the primary action of G-CSF. Enhancing appetite, stimulating platelet production, and boosting lymphocyte activity are not the direct functions of G-CSF; those roles are associated with different growth factors or treatments. Thus, the correct choice highlights G-CSF's vital contribution to maintaining the immune system during chemotherapy, ultimately ensuring better patient outcomes by minimizing infection risks.