What is the purpose of administering filgrastim (Neupogen) to a patient who is post-bowel resection resulting from cancer?

Rationale: A. Filgrastim does not reduce GI toxicity. It specifically targets the bone marrow to stimulate white blood cell production and does not affect nausea, diarrhea, or mucositis caused by chemotherapy. B. Filgrastim does the opposite of immune suppression. It stimulates the bone marrow to produce neutrophils, enhancing the patient’s immune function, especially after chemotherapy or surgery. C. Filgrastim has no effect on nausea, vomiting, or appetite. Antiemetic medications, not filgrastim, are used to manage these symptoms. D. Filgrastim (Neupogen) is a colony-stimulating factor that promotes the production of neutrophils in the bone marrow. After bowel resection and chemotherapy, patients are at risk for neutropenia, which increases susceptibility to infection. Administering filgrastim helps raise WBC counts, enhancing immune defense and reducing infection risk.