In order to protect against exposure to chemotherapy drugs when caring for patients receiving intravenous (IV) therapy, what will the nurse do?
A. Wear gowns, gloves, masks, and headgear when administering all chemotherapy drugs.
B. Wear a disposable gown
B. Wear a disposable gown when administering IV chemotherapy.
A disposable gown should be worn when administering IV chemotherapy. The combination of gowns, gloves, masks, and headgear is not necessary for all chemotherapy drugs. A mask is not necessary w
A patient is receiving IV cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan). Which intervention is a priority for this patient?
A. Ensuring that the patient is well hydrated
B. Monitoring the white blood cell count
C. Administering an antianxiety agent
D. Running IV dextrose wi
A. Ensuring that the patient is well hydrated
The patient should be well hydrated while taking this drug to prevent hemorrhagic cystitis (bleeding as a result of severe bladder inflammation). Normal saline is used as the maintenance IV when administering
The nurse is completing an admission assessment for a patient admitted for treatment with doxorubicin (Adriamycin). The nurse plans to contact the health care provider if the patient is taking which supplement?
A. Goldenrod leaves
B. Grapefruit juice
C. G
C. Green tea
Green tea (Camellia sinensis) may enhance antitumor effects of doxorubicin (Adriamycin). Use of green tea should be reported to the health care provider.
A patient asks, "Why am I getting three drugs for my cancer if they all do the same thing?" What is the nurse's best response?
A. "Administering more than one drug prevents drug resistance."
B. "More than one drug is administered in case you don't respond
A. "Administering more than one drug prevents drug resistance."
Administering a combination of antineoplastic agents allows for smaller doses of each, which can minimize the severity of side effects and help prevent drug resistance.
The nurse is caring for a patient receiving cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan). What is a priority intervention for this patient?
A. Assessing blood pressure hourly
B. Encouraging fluids before, during, and after drug administration
C. Drawing peak and trough lev
B. Encouraging fluids before, during, and after drug administration
Patients receiving cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) should drink at least 2 to 3 L of fluid before, during, and after administration to prevent hemorrhagic cystitis.
The nurse is caring for a patient receiving high-dose methotrexate (MTX) (Rheumatrex, Trexall) therapy. What intervention is a priority for this patient?
A. Administering bleomycin immediately after treatment with MTX
B. Infusing IV dextrose at 100 mL/hr
D. Administering leucovorin within 2 days of treatment with MTX
Leucovorin calcium (folinic acid) is given within the first 24 to 42 hours of starting methotrexate to block the systemic toxic effect of high-dose MTX. It is a form of folic acid that does n
A patient is nauseated and vomiting after receiving chemotherapy. How will the nurse best intervene?
A. Tell the patient to avoid eating any food during chemotherapy treatments.
B. Inform the patient that the nausea will pass with time.
C. Maintain hydrat
C. Maintain hydration and nutrition and administer antinausea medications.
It is very important for patients undergoing chemotherapy to maintain adequate nutrition and hydration. Several antiemetic drugs are available that are very successful in controlli
When teaching a patient receiving paclitaxel (Taxol), the nurse plans to instruct the patient to monitor for which side effect?
A. Arthralgias
B. Hypertension
C. Vertigo
D. Weight gain
A. Arthralgias
Myalgias (muscle pains) and arthralgias (joint pains) are a common side effect of paclitaxel that the patient should be prepared to expect.
The nurse is monitoring a patient receiving doxorubicin (Adriamycin). What intervention is a priority for this patient?
A. Administering dexrazoxane (Zinecard)
B. Encouraging fluids to 3 L/day
C. Keeping patient away from crowds
D. Administering antiemeti
A. Administering dexrazoxane (Zinecard)
Patients receiving doxorubicin need to be monitored for cardiac toxicity. Dexrazoxane (Zinecard) is a cytoprotective (chemoprotective) agent that may be given to help prevent cardiac toxicities associated with doxor
The nurse is caring for a patient with a hemoglobin of 15 g/dL, platelet count of 450,000/mm3, and thrombocyte count of 8000/mm3 who is to receive cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) therapy. What is the nurse's priority intervention?
A. Hold the Cytoxan therapy.
A. Hold the Cytoxan therapy.
Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) causes bone marrow suppression, which is evidenced by a decrease in red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. A thrombocyte count of 8000/mm3 is significantly lower than normal. The chemothe
The nurse is caring for several patients receiving chemotherapy. What patient will the nurse assess first?
A. The patient receiving doxorubicin (Adriamycin) with a history of angina
B. The patient receiving fluorouracil (5-FU, Adrucil) with an elevated pl
D. The patient receiving mechlorethamine (Mustargen) with pain at the IV insertion site
Mechlorethamine (nitrogen mustard [Mustargen]) is a severe vesicant and can cause tissue necrosis if it infiltrates into the tissues. Pain at the IV site is an indicat