Oncology

Question 1

What is myelosuppression?

Answer 1

Suppression of bone marrow generation

Question 2

What is stomatitis?

Answer 2

Inflammation of the mouth

Question 3

What laboratory abnormality may occur with Mulitple Myeloma?

Answer 3

Hypercalcemia

Question 4

What is “tumor lysis syndrome”?

Answer 4

It is the breakdown products of dying cells

Question 5

What lab value abnormalities would been seen in a patient with tumor lysis syndrome?

Answer 5

hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, hyperuricemia and hypocalcemia

Question 6

What complications may tumor lysis syndrome cause?

Answer 6

acute uric acid nephropathy and acute renal failure

Question 7

What albumin level indicates malnutrition?

Answer 7

less than 3.5; normal albumin level is 3.5-5

Question 8

What sign indicates cancer of the larnyx?

Answer 8

Trouble swallowing

Question 9

What is Brachytherapy?

Answer 9

Brachytherapy is inserting radioactive material directly into or adjacent to a tumor.

Question 10

What is the difference between a “cell cycle specific” agent and a “cell cycle non-specific” agent?

Answer 10

The non-specific agents make their effects at ALL times on the cell, while the specific agents are most effective on cell at a SPECIFIC time

Question 11

What is a notable fact about Nitrosoureas?

Answer 11

They cross the blood-brain barrier

Question 12

What is the TNM cancer classification system?

Answer 12

T = tumor
N = regional lymph Nodes
M = distant Metastases

Question 13

How does the TMN grading system work?

Answer 13

0 means no cancerous involvement; 1-4 rank the severity, and X means could not be assessed

Question 14

What are the two types of Leukemia?

Answer 14

Lymphocytic and myelogenous

Question 15

What is the difference between lymphocytic and myelogenous leukemia?

Answer 15

Lymphocytic’s age of onset is in people less than 15; Myelogenous’ age of onset is 15-39

Question 16

What is Hodgkin’s disease?

Answer 16

Hodgkin’s is a type of lymphoma; it is a malignancy of lymph nodes that originates in a single lymph node

Question 17

What is the mechanism of action of Antimetabolite drugs?

Answer 17

Antimetabolites act during the S phase of the cell cycle, contributing to cell destruction or preventing cell replication.

Question 18

What is an early sign of bladder cancer?

Answer 18

Painless hematuria

Question 19

Why are enemas given to a cancer patient prior to implant/brachytherapy?

Answer 19

To decrease the chance of the implant becoming dislodged (having to use the bedpan after implantation)

Question 20

What is an early sign of gastric cancer?

Answer 20

Abdominal discomfort relieved by antacids

Question 21

What is a primary concern for a patient with multiple myeloma?

Answer 21

hypercalcemia

Question 22

What intervention will help prevent hypercalcemia-related complications in the patient with multiple myeloma?

Answer 22

Forcing fluids/aduquate hydration. Fluid will dilute the calcium; should have 3L daily

Question 23

What assessment finding would be expected for a patient with Hodgkin’s?

Answer 23

enlarged lymph nodes

Question 24

What is the difference between a cancer’s “grade” and it’s “stage”?

Answer 24

grade refers to the cell differentiation and rate of division; stage refers to the spread (local, regional, metastasized) of the cancer

Question 25

What is the definition of hypercalcemia?

Answer 25

Calcium level greater than 10

Question 26

What is a possible serious side effect of Anthracyclines?

Answer 26

Cardiac toxicity

Question 27

What is the normal range for WBC’s?

Answer 27

5,000-10,000