DMARDs II require monitoring for signs of which condition?

• A. Kidney failure
• B. Heart failure
• C. Liver failure
• D. Neurological deficits

Answer: (B)

DMARDs II are biologic agents that can affect the heart in some patients, potentially worsening existing heart failure or triggering new-onset heart failure. Because of this risk, monitoring focuses on signs of heart failure: increasing shortness of breath, trouble breathing with activity or at rest, swelling in the ankles or legs, unexplained weight gain, fatigue, or a persistent cough. Early detection allows timely changes in therapy to prevent serious complications. While other DMARDs require monitoring of different organs (for example, liver function with some traditional DMARDs), the specific safety signal associated with DMARDs II is heart failure.