Antineoplastic Meds - Answers and Rationale

1.      Answer C

C: Depression of the bone marrow interferes with hemopoiesis and results in anemia. 

A: There is a decrease in the number of cells and therefore a decrease in viscosity. 

B: Pathologic fractures result from the disease, not the treatment. 

D: Radiation causes increased susceptibility to infection as a result of the decreased number of white blood cells.

2.    Answer C

Tamoxifen is an estrogen blocker used to treat both premenopausal and postmenopausal breast cancer and to prevent breast cancer in certain women who are at high risk. 

Acetaminophen is a nonnarcotic analgesic. 

Dopamine is a vasoconstrictor used to treat hypotension. 

Progesterone is a hormone used to treat amenorrhea or dysfunctional uterine bleeding.

3.     Answer A

A: Meperidine, useful for short-term treatment of acute pain, is inappropriate for use with clients experiencing chronic pain, such as that associated with cancer, because of the drug's short duration of action. Meperidine also can be toxic in clients with impaired renal function or the elderly. 

B: To treat cancer pain, the World Health Organization recommends a three-step analgesic ladder approach involving nonopiod (nonnarcotic) analgesics, opioid analgesics, and adjuvant drugs such as antidepressants and antiemetics. Opioid drugs of choice include morphine, the most commonly used opioid drug used for the treatment of cancer pain; hydromorphone (Dilaudid); and codeine. 

C: To treat cancer pain, the World Health Organization recommends a three-step analgesic ladder approach involving nonopiod (non-narcotic) analgesics, opioid analgesics, and adjuvant drugs such as antidepressants and antiemetics. Common nonopiod analgesics include acetaminophen (Tylenol), salicylates, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). 

D: To treat cancer pain, the World Health Organization recommends a three-step analgesic ladder approach involving nonopiod (non-narcotic) analgesics, opioid analgesics, and adjuvant drugs such as antidepressants and antiemetics. Opioid drugs of choice include morphine, the most commonly used opioid drug used for the treatment of cancer pain; hydromorphone (Dilaudid); and codeine.

4.    Answer B

B. Radiodermatitis occurs 3 to 6 weeks after the start of treatment.

A. The word burn should be avoided because it may increase anxiety. 

C. This response does not address the client's concern. 

D. Emollients are contraindicated; they may alter the calculated x-ray route and injure normal tissue.

5.     Answer B

B. Elevated uric acid levels from destroyed cells may lead to renal problems; increased fluid intake helps dilute urine.

A. This will have to be monitored, but it is not of primary importance at this time. 

C. This will have to be monitored, but it is not of primary importance at this time. 

D. This will have to be monitored, but it is not of primary importance at this time.

6.     Answer B

B. Once the drugs that interfere with cell division are stopped, the hair will grow back; sometimes the hair will be a different color or texture.

A. Alopecia is a common side effect of chemotherapy. 

C. Hair loss persists while the drugs are being received; once the drugs are withdrawn, the hair grows back. 

D. Although ice caps on the head and rubber bands around the scalp have been used to try to limit alopecia, they have not been particularly effective. " (SR 1379)

7.    Answer D

D. Neurotoxicity is a specific common side effect to this drug; the client can become numb and ataxic.

A. Vincristine causes adynamic ileus, resulting in constipation; diarrhea occurs with other antineoplastics and radiation therapy. 

B. Alopecia is an expected side effect rather than a toxic response; it is not considered serious, and hair will regrow.

C. This is not a side effect of this drug but a toxic response to Cytoxan. 

8.  Answer B

B: Leucovorin calcium limits toxicity of folic acid antagonists, such as methotrexate sodium, by competing for transport into cells. 

A: This is not the action of leucovorin calcium. 

C: This is the purpose of antiemetics such as prochlorperazine maleate (Compazine). 

D: Leucovorin calcium does not interfere with cell division; this is the purpose of a multiple drug protocol.

9.     Answer A

A. This is the most accurate and age-appropriate response to the question.

B. This is inaccurate; not being truthful interferes with the development of trust. 

C. This is inaccurate and may instill more fear. 

D. This response is insensitive to the question and does not provide any explanation.

10.   Answer B

B. A protocol consisting of three or four chemotherapeutic agents that attack the dividing cells at various phases of development is the therapy of choice at this stage; alternating courses of different protocols may be used

A. Radiation, alone or in combination with chemotherapy, is used in stages IA, IB, IIA, IIB, and IIIA. . 

C. This is recommended for use in stage IIIA. 

D. This is not a therapy for Hodgkin's disease at any stage; nodes may be removed for biopsy; nodes may be irradiated as part of therapy.

11.   Answer A

A. Cystitis is a potentially serious adverse reaction to Cytoxan, which can sometimes be prevented by increased hydration because the fluid flushes the bladder. 

B. Irritability may be present but is not necessarily a result of Cytoxan administration. 

C. This is an expected but not serious side effect of Cytoxan. 

D. This is unrelated to Cytoxan administration; it occurs with Dilantin therapy.

12.   Answer C

C.  Blood tests indicate response to therapy; if the WBC count drops severely, therapy may be temporarily halted.

A. These children receive therapy for extended periods, and prolonged isolation from their peers may lead to destructive social isolation. 

B. This is a very painful procedure and is not done weekly.

D. Nausea commonly occurs with this therapy; although antiemetic measures are instituted, the drug is not withdrawn.

For practice test please click the link below:
http://ilovenurselouie.blogspot.com/2014/11/antineoplastic-meds-questions.html