Oncology/ Cancer drugs Flashcards
Chemotherapy
Doxorubicin and Cisplatin
Slow or stop growth of tumours
Kills all cells in the body (bone, hair and skin cells die)
healthy and cancer cells die
side effect: hair loss and weak skin
Bone marrow suppressant = bad for the bones
= surpassed blood and surpassed immune system
Low RBC and CBC, low platelets, low WBCS less than 4000 = iimmunodeficenty
Chemotherapy Teaching
Electric razors only
No baring down to poop = stool softeners
Avoid fall risks like rugs
Fever is priority = over 38 = infection
Implement neutropenic precautions = no fresh flowers, fruit. a void crowds and sick people
Watch for hyperglycaemia when on doxorubicin
Never use rectal thermometers - due to sensitive skin
Nausea is a common side effect
Monitor for renal toxicity when on cisplatin
Cyclophosphamide
Chemotherapy drug
Side effects:
Bone marrow suppression
Anemia
Neutropenia
Risk for infection and bleeding
Vincristine
Chemotherapy drug
Stops cell division during mitosis
Only chemo drug that does not cause bone marrow suppression = no anemia, no neutropenia no thrombocytopenia
Main side effects: neuropathy - weakness, numbness and pain
Tamoxifen
Breast Cancer
Stops estrogen dependant cancer such as endometrial cancer
Report excessive bleeding - heave periods
CLOT risk - avoid anyone with clot history (DVT, PE)
Side effect = hot flashes
New cell stimulators
Oprelvekin
Increase platelet production in chemo patients to reduce bleeding
Stimlates growth of hematopoietic stem cells
Adverse effects: FLuid retention, Afib, anaphylaxis
Filgrastim and Pegfilgrastim
New cells simulators
Stimulates WBC production expected outcome = increase neutrophil count
No effect on hemoglobin
Interferon
Type of immuno therapy to detect and kill cancer kills
Flu like symptoms - fever, muscle acne weakness and chills = expected
Increases body immune response
Apply warm compress before injection to reduce pain
Administer at night
Radiation
Given outside the body
used in combination with chemo
Harsh on skin = red, dry, itchy
Avoid lotion, cream, perfume, powder, makeup, deodorant, shaving
Use hands rather than a washcloth to clean skin
Radiation brachytherapy
Inside the body
Very dangerous
Placed inside tumour for 24-48 hours
Used for endometrial cancer and cervical cancer
Radiation Nursing interventions:
Nursing interventions:
Toxic to patient and anyone in close contact
Limit time, distance and sheald he body
Cluster care 30 min per shift
Staff is to wear radiation film badge (dosimeter)
Teach all visitors to stay 6 feet away
No pregnant company
No one less than 18 years old
Private room + toilet
Close door at all times
Sign on door that states radioactive
Use lead apron when in direct contact with patient
When preparing to administer tamoxifen to a patient with breast cancer, the nurse is most concerned by which patient report?
I have been experiencing really heavy menstrual cycles recently
The nurse is caring for a client with ovarian cancer taking doxorubicin, which assessment finding should the nurse report to the health care provider
Temperature 38.2
Platleet count 48,00
White blood cells 3600
