Question 1

When administering vincristine,the nurse knows that its dose-limiting toxicity primarily affects what system?

Accepted Answer

Vincristine is known to primarily affect the central nervous system, causing neuropathy or symptoms like loss of sensation or pain in the extremities.

Question 2

Agents with antineoplastic activity that have been isolated from a number of plants work in what way?

Accepted Answer

Antineoplastic agents isolated from plants work by arresting cell division, or mitosis. They prevent the cancer cells from dividing and multiplying, which leads to their destruction.

Question 3

The nurse anticipates administering which drug to stimulate neutrophil production in clients with myelosuppression?

Accepted Answer

Filgrastim is a granulocyte-colony stimulating factor that stimulates the production of neutrophils in clients with myelosuppression. Epoetin is used to stimulate the production of red blood cells, interferon alfa is used to treat viral infections and certain types of cancer, and oprelvekin is used to stimulate platelet production.

Question 4

A large number of antineoplastic medications are absorbed through what route?

Accepted Answer

Antineoplastic medications are usually absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes, as they are typically administered topically or intravenously. Fecal/oral and respiratory routes are not commonly used for antineoplastic medications, while hair follicles are not a major absorption route.

Question 5

If the nurse is caring for a client taking Epogen and notices blood lab tests have dropped below normal,the best initial action would be to:

Accepted Answer

The best initial action would be for the nurse to notify the healthcare provider as they will be able to evaluate the lab results and make changes to the medication dosage or frequency if necessary. Simply telling the client to stop taking the drug or skipping doses without medical advice can be dangerous and could worsen their condition.

Question 6

The nurse is teaching a client about the different plants that can be used in the treatment of cancer.Which plants does the nurse include in the teaching session?
Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

B) Common periwinkle contains alkaloids such as vincristine and vinblastine, which are used in chemotherapy for their anti-cancer properties.C) Pacific yew is the source of paclitaxel, a compound used in the treatment of various cancers, including ovarian and breast cancer.D) Mandrake contains podophyllotoxin, which is used to synthesize etoposide, a drug used in chemotherapy.

Question 7

OSHA has established guidelines for the safe handling of chemotherapeutic medications.The nurse correctly states that safe handling includes:
Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

OSHA guidelines for the safe handling of chemotherapeutic medications focus on minimizing exposure to these potent drugs. This includes safe medication storage to prevent accidental exposure, safe medication disposal to prevent environmental contamination and exposure, and safe medication handling procedures, such as using personal protective equipment and proper techniques to avoid direct contact with the drugs. Required days off and appropriate charges for services are not specifically related to the safe handling of chemotherapeutic medications as per OSHA guidelines.

Question 8

A client shows a proper understanding of the adverse effects of vincristine when he states:

Accepted Answer

The adverse effect of vincristine includes peripheral neuropathy which may cause weakness in the hands or feet. The client showing an understanding of this adverse effect and the need to inform the doctor immediately is a good demonstration of awareness and responsibility towards their treatment.

Answer: B
 Vincristine can also cause edema or swelling in the legs. Elevating the legs can help reduce the swelling, and the client showing an understanding of this measure is a positive sign of their engagement with the treatment.

Answer: C
 It is not appropriate to take ibuprofen without consulting the doctor, as it may interact with vincristine and cause further complications. The client stating otherwise shows a lack of understanding and needs further education on this aspect of their treatment.

Answer: D
 The statement is not related to the adverse effects of vincristine, and mistakenly taking two pills instead of one does not require immediate medical attention. However, it is important to follow the prescribed dosage and inform the doctor if there are any concerns or issues with the medication. The client needs further education on this aspect of their treatment.

Question 9

Which statement best explains the mechanism of action of monoclonal antibodies?

Accepted Answer

Monoclonal antibodies bind to antigens on the surface of specific tumor cells, allowing for targeted recognition and destruction of those cells. They do not alter the DNA of the tumor cells, prevent replication, or stimulate immune cell function.

Question 10

Which statement is true regarding biological response modifiers?

Accepted Answer

Biological response modifiers can be immunostimulants or immunosuppressants. Some immunostimulants can enhance the patient's immune response to cancer cells and reduce the severity of myelosuppression caused by other antineoplastic agents. Option A is incorrect because biological response modifiers are not used to treat transplant rejections. Option C is incorrect because biological response modifiers are used to increase the body's defense system against cancer cells, not decrease it. Option D is incorrect because biological response modifiers can have side effects and are not necessarily less toxic than other antineoplastic agents.

Question 11

With administering cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan),which has the potential adverse effect of cardiotoxicity,what is the best action by the nurse during treatment?

Accepted Answer

The best action by the nurse during treatment with cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) is to obtain baseline and periodic ECGs. This is because cardiotoxicity is a potential adverse effect of the drug, and monitoring for changes in heart rhythm or structure is important to detect any cardiac damage. Auscultating abnormal heart sounds may be an indication of cardiotoxicity, but obtaining periodic ECGs allows for more consistent and accurate monitoring. Echocardiograms and cardiac enzymes may also be used to monitor for cardiotoxicity, but ECGs are often the first-line diagnostic tool.

Question 12

The nurse is teaching a client about medications that can be taken to treat the diarrhea that often accompanies chemotherapy.Which medications would be appropriate for the nurse to include in the teaching session?
Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Atropine (Lomotil), Loperamide (Imodium), and Bismuth salts (Pepto Bismol) are medications used to treat diarrhea. Polyethylene glycol and Psyllium are used for constipation, not diarrhea.

Question 13

The nurse is teaching a client about the use of hematopoietic growth factors to promote the formation of specific blood cells.Which medications will the nurse include in the teaching session?
Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Epoetin alfa, filgrastim, and sargramostim are all hematopoietic growth factors. Epoetin alfa stimulates red blood cell production, filgrastim stimulates the production of neutrophils, and sargramostim stimulates the production of neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, and eosinophils. Aldesleukin and IFN alfa-2b are not hematopoietic growth factors; aldesleukin is an interleukin-2 used in immunotherapy, and IFN alfa-2b is an interferon used for antiviral and antineoplastic effects.

Question 14

The nurse is preparing to administer cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan),which can cause nausea and vomiting.The nurse can best manage this by:

Accepted Answer

Administering antiemetic drugs as necessary is the best way to manage nausea and vomiting caused by cyclophosphamide. Antiemetic drugs are specifically designed to alleviate nausea and vomiting, and can help manage these side effects during treatment. Bland foods, withholding food, or increasing fluids may help alleviate nausea and vomiting in some cases, but antiemetic drugs are the most effective method of managing these symptoms.

Question 15

The nurse who has received special training to administer chemotherapy is called:

Accepted Answer

An oncology nurse is a nurse who specializes in caring for patients with cancer, including administering chemotherapy.

Question 16

Many chemotherapy agents cause nausea and vomiting.The type and dose of antiemetic prescribed are based on:

Accepted Answer

The type and dose of antiemetic prescribed are based on the potential of specific antineoplastics to cause nausea and vomiting. It is important to match the antiemetic with the emetogenic potential of the chemotherapy agent to effectively manage nausea and vomiting.

Quiz 57: Pharmacotherapy of Neoplasia

When administering vincristine,the nurse knows that its dose-limiting toxicity primarily affects what system?

Agents with antineoplastic activity that have been isolated from a number of plants work in what way?

The nurse anticipates administering which drug to stimulate neutrophil production in clients with myelosuppression?

A large number of antineoplastic medications are absorbed through what route?

If the nurse is caring for a client taking Epogen and notices blood lab tests have dropped below normal,the best initial action would be to:

The nurse is teaching a client about the different plants that can be used in the treatment of cancer.Which plants does the nurse include in the teaching session? Select all that apply.

OSHA has established guidelines for the safe handling of chemotherapeutic medications.The nurse correctly states that safe handling includes: Select all that apply.

A client shows a proper understanding of the adverse effects of vincristine when he states:

Which statement best explains the mechanism of action of monoclonal antibodies?

Which statement is true regarding biological response modifiers?

With administering cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) ,which has the potential adverse effect of cardiotoxicity,what is the best action by the nurse during treatment?

The nurse is teaching a client about medications that can be taken to treat the diarrhea that often accompanies chemotherapy.Which medications would be appropriate for the nurse to include in the teaching session? Select all that apply.

The nurse is teaching a client about the use of hematopoietic growth factors to promote the formation of specific blood cells.Which medications will the nurse include in the teaching session? Select all that apply.

The nurse is preparing to administer cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) ,which can cause nausea and vomiting.The nurse can best manage this by:

The nurse who has received special training to administer chemotherapy is called:

Many chemotherapy agents cause nausea and vomiting.The type and dose of antiemetic prescribed are based on: