Chemo

Question 1

What are the 3 main goals of treatment with chemotherapy?

Answer 1

to cure

to increase mean survival time

to decrease the risk for life threatening complications

Question 2

The nurse caring for a patient with a diagnosis of cancer knows that cancer cells can spread through what other body system?

Answer 2

Lymphatic system

Question 3

What is the primary function of chemotherapeutic medications?

Answer 3

CELL KILL

malignant/neoplastic cells normally have faster uncontrolled growth, making them more susceptible to antineoplastic drugs, which are generally more effective against dividing cells than resting cells.

Question 4

What is Cytotoxic?

Answer 4

A substance or process that can damage cells or cause them to die.

Question 5

What is the difference between cell cycle specific and non -specific with regards to chemotherapy?

Answer 5

cell cycle specific= schedule dependent
produce greater cell kill when given in multiple repeated doses

cell cycle nonspecific =”dose dependent”
produce greater cell kill when given in single high dose

Question 6

What are four common side effects of chemotherapy?

Answer 6

1- loss of hair (alopecia)
2-oral lesions (stomatitis)
3- severe N/V, stomach ulcerations “gastritis”
4-bone marrow suppression (anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia)

Question 7

what class of medications are best for preventing nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy?

Answer 7

etron family like ondansetron

Question 8

What medications are especially helpful in managing bone marrow suppression associated with chemotherapy?

Answer 8

FILGRASTIM TO INCREASE WBC
ERYTHROPOIETIN TO INCREASE RBC
OPRELVEKIN TO INCREASE PLATELETS

Question 9

Which medications specifically stimulate the production of WBC in a patient who has had chemotherapy?

Answer 9

FILGRASTIM

Question 10

What is neutropenia?

Answer 10

decrease in total number of neutrophils/WBC. Often a side effect of medications, like chemotherapy, immunosuppressant medications, and others

Question 11

What is Nadir?

Answer 11

lowest point
time at which bone marrow suppression is at its greatest therefore, patient is at greatest risk for complications

Question 12

What are some important nursing interventions for caring for a patient who is neutropenic?

Answer 12

measures to decrease risk for infection:
-no fresh flowers
-no fresh fruit
-mask and gown for everyone

Question 13

Plant alkaloid chemotherapy agents are especially toxic to which body system?

Answer 13

neurotoxic- assess for any changes in neurologic status

Question 14

Antineoplastic antibiotic chemotherapy agents are especially toxic to which body system?

Answer 14

cardiotoxic leading to chf, can be years later
also, lung fibrosis
doxorubicin

Question 15

INDUCTION PHASE IN CHEMOTHERAPY

Answer 15

FIRST PHASE
attempting to kill off as many as possible cancer cells in one big assault. approximately 70% of patient will achieve remission from this, but if we stop they often relapse

Question 16

INTENSIFICATION PHASE IN CHEMOTHERAPY

Answer 16

SECOND PHASE
usually the same drug at the same or higher doses for a period of a few months

Question 17

COSOLIDATION PHASE IN CHEMOTHERAPY

Answer 17

THIRD PHASE
usually as remission is achieved but still looks for any hidden cancer cells

Question 18

MAINTENANCE PHASE IN CHEMOTHERAPY

Answer 18

FOURTH PHASE
this can be the same medication at a much lower dose given over a longer period. ex: tamoxifen for breast cancer that can be taken for years