Chapter 56: Drugs for Breast Cancer

Chapter 56: Drugs for Breast Cancer

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. A woman who is being treated with radiotherapy for breast cancer asks her primary care nurse practitioner (NP) about using dietary supplements to improve her chance of recovery. The NP should tell her that:

ANS:  D

Women with early-stage breast cancer who took supplements of vitamin C or vitamin E at least 6 days per week had a lower risk of cancer recurrence with vitamin C but no differences with vitamin E. B vitamins are not listed as effective.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Understanding (Comprehension)             REF:   647

2. A postmenopausal woman has metastatic breast cancer that is estrogen receptor negative. She is scheduled to begin chemotherapy the following week and asks her primary care NP what other medications her oncologist may prescribe to treat her cancer. The NP should expect the oncologist to prescribe:

ANS:  D

Anastrozole (Arimidex) is a selective aromatase inhibitor and is useful in postmenopausal women who have estrogen receptor–negative breast cancer. The other medications are antiestrogens and treat estrogen receptor–positive cancer.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Applying (Application)                           REF:   648

3. A primary care NP sees a 60-year-old woman for a physical examination. The woman tells the NP she is taking tamoxifen for treatment of breast cancer. To monitor her response to this medication, the NP should order:

ANS:  D

Patients taking antiestrogens, such as tamoxifen, should have periodic monitoring of liver enzymes and a CBC. A chest radiograph is not indicated. Bilirubin, creatinine, and bone mineral density testing are part of routine testing for patients taking aromatase inhibitors.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Applying (Application)                           REF:   648

4. A 50-year-old woman who is postmenopausal is taking an aromatase inhibitor as part of a breast cancer treatment regimen. She calls her primary care NP to report that she has had hot flashes and increased vaginal discharge but no bleeding. The NP should:

ANS:  A

Any abnormal vaginal discharge should be reported immediately and should be evaluated with a gynecologic examination to rule out carcinoma. She is not showing signs of ovulation, so contraception is not necessary. She should not stop taking the medication unless the gynecologic examination is positive. These are common side effects but are not always normal.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Applying (Application)                           REF:   648