Cancer drugs

Question 1

What drug class is Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxin)?

Answer 1

Alkylating drugs

Question 2

what does Cytoxin derive from?

Answer 2

Nitrogen Mustard

Question 3

What is the action of cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)?

Answer 3

prevents cell division, decrease DNA synthesis and inhibit DNA replication and RNA synthesis

Cell death and inability to replicate

Question 4

What is the use of Cytoxan?

Answer 4

treat lymphomas and tumors

Question 5

Cytotoxic drugs are administrated how and why?

Answer 5

administrated IV due to being water soluble, few given intrathecally (methotexrate)

Question 6

What must we monitor when giving cytotoxic drugs?

Answer 6

liver and kidneys

Question 7

What class does Methotrexate fall under?

Answer 7

Antimetabolite- Folate antagonists

Question 8

what is the mechanism of action of methotextrate?

Answer 8

Interfere with DNA synthesis, repair and cellular replication
inhibits formation of folates

Question 9

what drug class does fluorocil fall under?

Answer 9

Antimetabolites- Pyrimidine analogs

Question 10

what is the action of fluoroucil?

Answer 10

affect DNA and RNA synthesis
incorporates flouoroucil in tumor cell RNA synthesis, and replaces uracil, and affects cell growth

Question 11

what are the side effects of Cytoxan?

Answer 11

bone marrow depression, secondary leukemia or bladder cancer
N/V, alopecia, hemorrhagic cystitis,

Question 12

What are common chemotherapy adverse affects

Answer 12

NEUTROPENIA (low neutrophil count)
MYELOSUPRESSION (bone marrow depression)
THROMBOCYTOPENIA (low platelets)
DAMAGE TO HEART, KIDNEYS, LIVER AND NERVES

Question 13

What is tumor lysis syndrome? What can it cause?

Answer 13

when large number of cancer cells die
Causes dysrhythmias, cardiac arrest, renal failure, EKG changes
CAN BE DEADLY!!!

Question 14

What precautions do nurses take when administering Chemo?

Answer 14

PPE

Question 15

Complications of chemo therapy?

Answer 15

Infection (due to weak immune system; avoid catheters)
Bleeding
Extravasation (severe inflammation, pain, ulceration, and tissue necrosis)
Hyperuricemia (kidney damage, can lead to neuropathy)
Hand Foot syndrome

Question 16

What are the contraindications of Cytotoxic antineoplastic drugs?

Answer 16

pregnancy, lactation and myelosupression

Question 17

what drug class is Alemtuzumab?

Answer 17

Biologic antineoplastic drug

Question 18

what is the side affects of Alemtuzumab?

Answer 18

allergic infusion reactions (dyspnea, fever, chills, skin rash), immunosuppression, hypotension, HTN, peripheral edema, N/V and mucositis

Question 19

What is the action of Alemtuzumab?

Answer 19

bind to antigen on T cells and B lymphocytes, activate antibody, completement cytoxic toxicity
immune destruction

Question 20

What class does Tamoxifen fall inn?

Answer 20

Antiestrogens, treats breast cancer

Question 21

What is the mechanism of action of Tamoxifen?

Answer 21

suppresses estrogen by binding to receptors

Question 22

how long must a patient take tamoxifen to prevent tumor recurrence?

Answer 22

2-5 years

Question 23

What are the side effects of Tamoxifen?

Answer 23

Hot flashes, N/V, vaginal discharge, risk of endometrial cancer in women who have not had a hysterectomy

Question 24

what do nurses assess for therapeutic effects of chemo drugs?

Answer 24

absence or reduction in tumor size
lab testing
improved functional status, appetite, weight gain and energy
decrease in cancer related symptoms (fatigue, pain, dyspnea, cough, anorexia N/V)

Question 25

what are patient teachings for methotrexate?

Answer 25

avoid sunlight, aspirin, and prolonged exposure to sun

Question 26

patient teaching for Fluoroucil

Answer 26

drink plenty of fluids