Deck 33: Targeted Therapies to Treat Cancer

Question 1

The nurse is performing a history on a patient who will begin taking bevacizumab (Avastin).Which aspect of the patient's history should be reported to the oncologist treating this patient?

A) History of hepatitis
B) Hypertension
C) Recent surgical history
D) Weight loss

Answer 1

Recent surgical history

Question 2

The nurse is teaching a patient who will begin receiving targeted therapy for cancer.The patient asks how targeted therapy differs from other types of chemotherapies.The nurse will explain that targeted therapy

A) damages cancer cell DNA to prevent cell replication.
B) directly kills or damages cancerous cells.
C) interferes with specific molecules in cancer cells.
D) prevents metastasis of cancer cells.

Answer 2

interferes with specific molecules in cancer cells.

Question 3

A patient who is taking the tyrosine kinase inhibitor sunitinib (Sutent)calls to report red,painful,and swollen palms and soles of feet.The nurse will perform which action?

A) Notify the patient's provider of this adverse reaction.
B) Reassure the patient that these are common side effects.
C) Recommend taking acetaminophen for discomfort.
D) Suggest taking diphenhydramine to help with the swelling.

Answer 3

Notify the patient's provider of this adverse reaction.

Question 4

The nurse performs a medication history on a patient who will begin targeted therapy for cancer with gefitinib (Iressa).The nurse learns that the patient is taking carbamazepine,a histamine₂ blocker,and warfarin.The nurse will anticipate that the provider will make which change to the medication regimen?

A) decrease the gefitinib dose.
B) decrease the warfarin dose.
C) increase the histamine₂ blocker dose.
D) increase the carbamazepine dose.

Question 5

A patient who has metastatic colorectal cancer tells the nurse that a cousin who had colorectal cancer received bevacizumab (Avastin)and wonders why this drug is not given to her.The nurse will explain that her cancer cells do not have

A) significant HER2 receptors.
B) epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase.
C) the BRCA1 suppressor gene.
D) vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) proteins.

Question 6

The nurse is preparing to administer intravenous monoclonal antibodies to a patient who has cancer.What is an important nursing action for this patient?

A) Having resuscitation equipment readily available
B) Monitoring the patient's renal function during the infusion
C) Observing the patient closely for development of a rash
D) Performing careful intake and output

Question 7

What action is most important for the nurse to teach the patient taking imatinib?

A) "The medication will cause the stool to be black; do not worry about that."
B) "Acetaminophen can be used for headaches."
C) "Limit your fluid intake to 1 liter each day."
D) "Be diligent about using birth control while you are on this medication."

Question 8

The nurse is preparing to administer intravenous temsirolimus (Torisel).To prevent a common adverse drug effect,the nurse will expect to administer which type of drug?

A) An antibiotic
B) An anticoagulant
C) An antiemetic
D) An antihistamine

Question 9

The patient asks the nurse what apoptosis means.The nurse will explain that apoptosis refers to

A) alteration of cellular functions.
B) inhibition of cell division.
C) prevention of cell phase progression.
D) slow, planned cellular death.