Nursing 22- Oncology - Exam 1
(Chemotherapy) Q&A
Chemotherapy - Answer-This type of cancer treatment is trained to recognize rapidly
dividing cells.
... [Show More] (This includes hair follicles and GI cells, which are also rapidly dividing.) It
is systemic and effects all body tissues. It can kill metastatic cells.
Risk for Infection - Answer-This is the PRIMARY risk for patients on chemotherapy.
Reasons for using Chemotherapy - Answer-These include:
- A Cure
- Increased Survival Time
- Decreased life threatening complications
Chemotherapy Types: Antimetabolites - Answer-This is a type of chemotherapy that is
considered renal and hepatotoxic
Ex: Methotrexate
Chemotherapy Types: Antitumor Antibiotics - Answer-This is a type of chemotherapy
that is considered cardio-toxic. It can cause a patient to go into heart failure.
Ex: Adriamycin (This is Ototoxic and Nephrotoxic)
Chemotherapy Types: Alkylating Agents - Answer-This is a type of chemotherapy that is
considered Renal and Ototoxic. It can cause seizures. Have the patient drink and void
frequently.
- Be concerned with Cystitis / pinkish urine
Chemotherapy Types: Antimiotic Agents/Plant Alkaloids - Answer-This is a type of
chemotherapy that is considered Neurotoxic and can cause parastesia.
Ex: Vincristine. This can cause bowel hyper-motility, but usually hypo-motility
Chemotherapy Types: Hormones - Answer-This is a type of chemotherapy that is an
Anti-Estrogen agent, used for breast cancer.
Ex: Tamoxifen
Chemotherapy Types: Miscellaneous Agents - Answer-Examples of these are Matulane
and Procarbazine, which are used to treat nausea and vomiting.
Nadir - Answer-This is the time when bone marrow activity and blood counts are the
lowest. Usually 7-28 days for most drugs. Combination Chemotherapy is the most
effective because each medication kills cells at varying times.
Routes of Chemotherapy Administration - Answer-These include
- Intravenous (Systemic and Rapid delivery)
- CVAD - Central Venus Access Device
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