Chapter 37: Anticancer Drugs

Chapter 37: Anticancer Drugs

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

1. A patient who has cancer is about to begin chemotherapy. The patient asks the nurse why two chemotherapeutic agents are being used instead of just one. Which response by the nurse is correct?

a.	“The drugs may be given in less toxic doses if two drugs are used.”
b.	“Two agents used together can have synergistic effects.”
c.	“Use of two drugs will increase tumorcidal activity in the G0 phase of the cell.”
d.	“Using two agents will shorten the length of time chemotherapy is needed.”

 

 

ANS:  B

Using two or more chemotherapeutic agents can have a synergistic effect. Combination therapy typically uses two drugs with different dose-limiting toxicities, but the use of more than one drug does not allow for using less toxic doses. Combination therapy allows cell kill in all phases of the cell cycle. Combination therapy does not shorten the length of time chemotherapy is needed.

 

DIF:    COGNITIVE LEVEL: Understanding (Comprehension)    REF:   Page 505

TOP:   NURSING PROCESS: Nursing Intervention: Patient Teaching

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

 

2. A patient who is about to begin chemotherapy asks the nurse when the risk of infection is highest. The nurse will tell the patient that infection risk is greatest at which point?

a.	A week to 10 days after each chemotherapy dose
b.	During the week immediately after chemotherapy
c.	Immediately prior to each dose of chemotherapy
d.	When the patient’s temperature is elevated by 1° F

 

 

ANS:  A

Following chemotherapy administration, the time at which the blood count, including white blood cells, is lowest is typically 7 to 10 days after treatment.

 

DIF:    COGNITIVE LEVEL: Remembering (Knowledge)           REF:   Page 508

TOP:   NURSING PROCESS: Nursing Intervention: Patient Teaching

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

 

3. The nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving a third dose of high-dose cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan). The nurse notes hematuria. The nurse will notify the provider and will perform which action?

a.	Ask whether the patient takes allopurinol (Lopurin).
b.	Assess the patient’s skin and fingernails for darkening.
c.	Question the patient about fluid intake.
d.	Reassure the patient that this is an expected side effect.

 

 

ANS:  C

Hemorrhagic cystitis is a common adverse effect of high-dose cyclophosphamide and can be mitigated by increasing fluid intake. Allopurinol is given to treat gout, which is characterized by uric acid crystalluria. Darkening of the fingernails and skin is a common adverse effect of cyclophosphamide but is unrelated to hemorrhagic cystitis.

 

DIF:    COGNITIVE LEVEL: Applying (Application)                  REF:   Page 520

TOP:   NURSING PROCESS: Evaluation/Nursing Intervention

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

 

4. The nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving intravenous mechlorethamine (Mustargen). The patient reports pain at the IV site, and the nurse assesses swelling and pallor at the site. What action will the nurse take?

a.	Administer an analgesic medication.
b.	Apply a warm compress to the site.
c.	Slow the infusion and notify the provider.
d.	Stop the infusion immediately.

 

 

ANS:  D

Methchlorethamine is a severe vesicant and can cause tissue necrosis if it infiltrates into the tissues. The nurse should stop the infusion.

 

DIF:    COGNITIVE LEVEL: Applying (Application)                  REF:   Page 510

TOP:   NURSING PROCESS: Nursing Intervention

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies