Antineoplastic Drugs- Cell Cycle Non-Specific

Question 1

MOA of Alkylating Drugs

Answer 1

Alter chemical structure of cell’s DNA, which is essential for reproduction of any cell… therefore inhibiting cancer cells from reproducitng.

Question 2

Adverse Effects of Alkylating Drugs

Answer 2

Hair loss, nausea, vomiting, nephrotoxicity, peripheral neuropathy, ototoxicity, hemorrhagic cystitis

Question 3

Interactions of Alkylating Drugs

Answer 3

Other nephrotoxic drugs (aminoglycosides) or bone marrow suppressing drugs- additive effect

Question 4

Alkylating Drugs Key Drugs

Answer 4

cisplatin
cyclophosphamide
mechlorethamine

Question 5

Indications for cisplatin

Answer 5

treatment of solid tumors such as bladder, lung, testicular, and ovarian tumors

Question 6

Nursing Considerations for cisplatin

Answer 6

Highest likelihood of causing nephrotoxicity- watch kidney function (might affect dosages), hydrate before and after infusion.

Question 7

Indications for cyclophosphamide

Answer 7

Treament of bone and lymph cancers as well as other solid tumors, leukemias, and multiple myeloma

Question 8

Nursing considerations for cyclophosphamide

Answer 8

Can also be used in kidney and liver transplants to prevent organ rejection, as well as in severe rheumatoid disorders. It can cause bone marrow suppression, especially when given with other myelosuppressive drugs and in combination with radiation.

Question 9

Indications for mechlorethamine

Answer 9

Treatment of Hodgkin’s and nonHodgkin’s lymphoma

Question 10

Nursing Considerations for mechlorethamine

Answer 10

Myelosuppression- watch lab work.

Question 11

MOA for Cytotoxic Antibiotics

Answer 11

Block DNA synthesis, which inhibits cellular reproduction.

Question 12

Indications for Cytotoxic Antibiotics

Answer 12

Variety of solid tumors and some hematologic malignancies

Question 13

Adverse Effects of Cytotoxic Antibiotics

Answer 13

Hair loss, nausea, vomiting, and myelosuppression

Question 14

Nursing Considerations of Cytotoxic Antibiotics

Answer 14

Can cause increased toxicities when used with other chemo drugs or radiation therapy. Watch for digoxin toxicity.

Question 15

Cytotoxic Antibiotic Key Drugs

Answer 15

doxorubicin

Question 16

Indicaitons for doxorubicin

Answer 16

Treatment of breast, bone and ovarian cancer, as well as leukemia, neuroblastoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Question 17

Nursing Considerations for doxorubicin

Answer 17

Very toxic to vein- extravasation (leaking out of vein into tissues) destroys tissue, might need to remove necrotic tissue. Watch for pain, redness, swelling. Cool site for first 24 hours, elevate limb for next 24-48 hours. Increase serum digoxin levels- monitor for patient’s perception of green/yellow halos around lights.