Deck 32: Anticancer Drugs

Question 1

A patient is receiving the antitumor antibiotic doxorubicin (Adriamycin)to treat lung cancer.The patient is experiencing shortness of breath and palpitations.The nurse is concerned that the patient has developed which condition?

A) Anemia
B) Cardiotoxicity
C) Hypersensitivity
D) Pulmonary infection

Answer 1

Cardiotoxicity

Question 2

A woman who has advanced breast cancer will begin receiving androgen therapy.The nurse will explain to the patient that androgen therapy is used to

A) enhance her own estrogen production.
B) give her a sense of well-being.
C) minimize hot flashes.
D) promote regression of her tumor.

Answer 2

promote regression of her tumor.

Question 3

A patient who is about to begin chemotherapy asks the nurse when the risk of infection is highest.The nurse will tell the patient that infection risk is greatest at which point?

A) A week to 10 days after each chemotherapy dose
B) During the week immediately after chemotherapy
C) Immediately prior to each dose of chemotherapy
D) When the patient's temperature is elevated by 1° F

Answer 3

A week to 10 days after each chemotherapy dose

Question 4

The nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving a third dose of high-dose cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan).The nurse notes hematuria.The nurse will notify the provider and will perform which action?

A) Ask whether the patient takes allopurinol (Lopurin).
B) Assess the patient's skin and fingernails for darkening.
C) Question the patient about fluid intake.
D) Reassure the patient that this is an expected side effect.

Question 5

The nurse is teaching a patient who will take oral cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan).Which statement by the patient indicates understanding of the teaching?

A) "I should follow a diet high in organ meats and beans while taking this drug."
B) "I should brush my teeth and gums vigorously twice daily."
C) "I should report any low-grade temperature elevation immediately."
D) "I should take the drug at bedtime to minimize side effects."

Question 6

A patient is receiving bleomycin (Blenoxane)as part of a chemotherapeutic regimen to treat leukemia.During IV administration of this drug,what will the nurse observe the patient closely for?

A) Hypotension and visual disturbances
B) Pain and blistering at the IV site
C) Pink to red urine
D) Shortness of breath and wheezing

Question 7

An oncology home care nurse is preparing to administer a chemotherapeutic agent to a patient at the patient's home.What precautions will the nurse take while administering the IV chemotherapeutic agent?

A) Clear a counter space for preparation of the solution.
B) Don a surgical mask while administering the drug.
C) Take surgical scrubs to wear during the infusion.
D) Wear an impermeable, disposable gown when hanging the drug.

Question 8

A patient who has cancer is about to begin chemotherapy.The patient asks the nurse why two chemotherapeutic agents are being used instead of just one.Which response by the nurse is correct?

A) "The drugs may be given in less toxic doses if two drugs are used."
B) "Two agents used together can have synergistic effects."
C) "Use of two drugs will increase tumoricidal activity in the G0 phase of the cell."
D) "Using two agents will shorten the length of time chemotherapy is needed."

Question 9

The nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving vincristine (Oncovin),a plant alkaloid chemotherapeutic agent,to treat non-Hodgkin lymphoma.The nurse observes that the patient has difficulty walking.What action will the nurse take?

A) Ask about numbness or tingling in the fingers and toes.
B) Assess heart rate and blood pressure to evaluate for orthostatic hypotension.
C) Assess the temperature to evaluate for infection.
D) Request an order for a complete blood count and electrolytes.

Question 10

The nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving intravenous (IV)mechlorethamine (Mustargen).The patient reports pain at the IV site,and the nurse assesses swelling and pallor at the site.What action will the nurse take?

A) Administer an analgesic medication.
B) Apply a warm compress to the site.
C) Slow the infusion and notify the provider.
D) Stop the infusion immediately.

Question 11

The nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)to treat pancreatic cancer.Which interventions are included in the nurse's plan of care for this patient?

A) Apply ice to the IV site if the patient reports pain.
B) Administer antiemetics when the patient reports nausea.
C) Counsel the patient to use waxed dental floss.
D) Discourage visits with people who have respiratory infections.
E) Offer ice chips frequently.
F) Restrict to nothing by mouth during IV drug administration.

Question 12

The nurse is teaching a patient who is receiving vincristine (Oncovin)about long-term management of the treatment regimen.Which information will the nurse provide in teaching the patient?

A) "If you experience numbness of your hands, it will eventually resolve."
B) "If your IV starts to hurt, you should pull the IV out immediately."
C) "You should ask for antinausea medication at the first sign of nausea."
D) "You should report difficulty buttoning your clothes to your provider."