ATI RN
NCLEX questions on chemotherapy drugs Questions
Question 1 of 5
When does not neutrophil nadir associated with chemotherapy agents generally occur?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C) 10-14 days after therapy. The neutrophil nadir associated with chemotherapy drugs generally occurs around 10-14 days after therapy. This is because chemotherapy drugs target rapidly dividing cells, including those in the bone marrow responsible for producing white blood cells like neutrophils. Option A) During administration of the chemotherapy is incorrect because neutrophil nadir typically occurs after the initial administration when the drugs have had time to affect bone marrow function. Option B) 1-2 days after therapy is incorrect because neutrophil counts may drop initially, but the nadir usually occurs later in the treatment cycle. Option D) 1 month after therapy is incorrect because neutrophil nadir typically occurs before this time frame, usually within the first few weeks of treatment. Understanding when neutrophil nadir occurs is crucial for healthcare providers managing patients undergoing chemotherapy to monitor for potential complications like infections due to low neutrophil counts. This knowledge is essential for nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals who play a role in caring for patients receiving chemotherapy.
Question 2 of 5
Ethylenediamine-tetracetic acid is an antidote for which of the following?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Ethylenediamine-tetracetic acid (EDTA) is an antidote for heavy metal poisoning, particularly lead toxicity. Lead poisoning can occur through environmental exposure or occupational hazards. EDTA works by chelating with lead ions in the body, forming a stable complex that can be excreted by the kidneys. A) Sodium secobarbital: This is incorrect because EDTA is not an antidote for barbiturate poisoning. B) Aspirin: This is incorrect because EDTA is not an antidote for aspirin poisoning. Aspirin toxicity is typically managed with supportive care, activated charcoal, and sometimes sodium bicarbonate. C) Paris green: This is incorrect because EDTA is not an antidote for Paris green poisoning. Paris green is a toxic substance containing copper and arsenic, and its poisoning is managed differently. Educational context: Understanding antidotes is crucial for nurses and healthcare professionals, especially when managing toxic exposures in patients. Knowing the specific antidotes for different types of poisonings can be life-saving in emergency situations. It is important to be familiar with the mechanisms of action and indications for antidotes to provide optimal patient care.
Question 3 of 5
Which of the following is contraindicated in the presence of active tuberculosis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this NCLEX question on chemotherapy drugs, the correct answer is A) Hydrocortisone, which is contraindicated in the presence of active tuberculosis. Hydrocortisone, a corticosteroid, can suppress the immune system, making it difficult for the body to fight off infections like tuberculosis. Using hydrocortisone in someone with active tuberculosis can worsen the infection and lead to serious complications. Streptomycin (B), INH (C), and PAS (D) are all commonly used in the treatment of tuberculosis. Streptomycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic effective against TB; INH is a first-line anti-TB medication; PAS is a second-line drug used for TB treatment. None of these medications are contraindicated in the presence of active tuberculosis. Educationally, understanding contraindications of medications in specific conditions like tuberculosis is crucial for safe and effective nursing practice. Nurses must be able to identify when certain medications should not be used to prevent harm to the patient and optimize treatment outcomes.
Question 4 of 5
Yellow pigmentation of the skin is most common with
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this NCLEX question, yellow pigmentation of the skin is most commonly associated with Quinacrine (Option C). Quinacrine is a medication used for various conditions, including malaria and certain autoimmune diseases. The yellow discoloration of the skin, known as jaundice, is a common side effect of quinacrine due to its impact on liver function. Option A, Chloroquine, is also used to treat malaria, but it is not typically associated with significant skin discoloration. Option B, Pamaquin, is a medication used for malaria prevention but is not known to cause yellow pigmentation of the skin. Option D, Quinine, is another antimalarial drug that does not commonly lead to skin yellowing. In an educational context, understanding the side effects of chemotherapy drugs is crucial for nurses and healthcare professionals caring for patients undergoing such treatments. Recognizing the manifestations of drug side effects, like jaundice in this case, is essential for early identification and appropriate management to ensure patient safety and well-being. This question reinforces the importance of medication knowledge, side effect recognition, and critical thinking skills in clinical practice.
Question 5 of 5
Antimicrobial treatment does not alter the course of the following diarrhoeas except
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the context of NCLEX questions on chemotherapy drugs, understanding the effects of antimicrobial treatment on different types of diarrhoeas is crucial for safe and effective nursing practice. The correct answer, B) Campylobacter diarrhoea, is not altered by antimicrobial treatment because antibiotics do not significantly impact the course of Campylobacter infections. A) Mild enterotoxigenic E.coli diarrhoea can be treated with antimicrobials to reduce the duration and severity of symptoms. C) Coeliac disease diarrhoea is not typically treated with antimicrobials but rather through dietary modifications. D) Food poisoning diarrhoea may be caused by various pathogens that could respond to antimicrobial treatment, depending on the specific causative agent. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of understanding the appropriate use of antimicrobial agents in treating diarrhoeal conditions caused by different pathogens. It underlines the need for nurses to have a sound knowledge of microbiology and pharmacology to provide safe and effective care to patients undergoing chemotherapy who may be at increased risk of infections.