ATI LPN
Pharmacology and the Nursing Process 10th Edition Test Bank
Chapter 45 : Antineoplastic Drugs Part 1: Cancer Overview and Cell Cycle-Specific Drugs Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient is receiving irinotecan, along with other antineoplastic drugs, as treatment for ovarian cancer. The nurse will monitor for which potentially life-threatening adverse effect that is associated with this drug?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In addition to producing hematologic adverse effects, irinotecan has been associated with severe diarrhea, known as cholinergic diarrhea, which may occur during infusions. Delayed diarrhea may occur 2 to 10 days after infusion. It is recommended that this condition can be treated with atropine unless use of that drug is strongly contraindicated. This diarrhea can be severe and even life-threatening.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is monitoring a patient who has severe bone marrow suppression following antineoplastic drug therapy. Which is considered a principal early sign of infection?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Fever and/or chills may be the first sign of an oncoming infection. Elevated white blood cell count will not occur because of the bone marrow suppression. The other options are incorrect.
Question 3 of 5
A patient, diagnosed with lymphoma, has an allergy to one of the proposed chemotherapy drugs. The tumor has not responded to other types of treatment. The nurse expects the oncologist to follow which course of treatment?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Even if a patient has a known allergic reaction to a given antineoplastic medication, the urgency of treating the patient's cancer may still necessitate administering the medication and then treating any allergic symptoms with supportive medications, such as antihistamines, corticosteroids, and acetaminophen.
Question 4 of 5
During treatment of a patient who has breast cancer, the nurse hears the oncologist mention that the patient has reached the 'nadir.' The nurse knows that this term means which of these?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The lowest neutrophil count reached after a course of chemotherapy is known as the nadir. The other options are incorrect.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is about to administer vincristine to a patient who has brain cancer. The patient has an intravenous port and an epidural line for pain medication. Which of these actions would the nurse question?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Vincristine and other vinca alkaloids are not given intrathecally (via the spinal route) or by any other route except intravenously. Administering these drugs through the spinal route is almost always fatal, and the death is slow and excruciating. The error cannot be reversed once the medication is given. These drugs are often given in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents, and an infusion pump must be used for accurate delivery of medication.