The client with acute myelocytic leukemia is being treated with Busulfan (Myleran). The nurse specifically monitors which laboratory value while the client is taking this medication?
The client with an ovarian cancer is receiving Tamoxifen (Nolvadex). Which of the following indicates a side effect specific to this medication?
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Solution
Constipation.
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) is an antineoplastic medication that may increase calcium levels. Signs of hypercalcemia includes include constipation, abdominal pain, hypotonicity of muscle, nausea and vomiting.
Options A, B, and C are signs of hypocalcemia.
A male client with breast cancer is receiving Tamoxifen (Nolvadex). The nurse specifically monitors which laboratory value?
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Solution
Triglyceride level.
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) is an antineoplastic medication that may increase cholesterol, triglyceride and calcium levels. Complete blood count, platelet count, serum calcium, cholesterol, and triglyceride level must be monitored periodically before the administration of this medication.
Options A, C, and D are not monitored during the medication therapy.
A client with a sarcoma is receiving Bleomycin (Blenoxane). The nurse in charge for the client expect the physician to order which diagnostic procedure?
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Solution
Pulmonary function studies (PFT’s).
Bleomycin (Blenoxane) is an antitumor antibiotic that can cause interstitial pulmonary fibrosis. Pulmonary function tests and chest x-ray are done while on this treatment.
Options B, C, and D are not related to the specific use of this medication.
The client with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is being managed with vincristine (Vincasar). Which of the following indicates a side effect specific to this medication?
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Solution
Numbness in the toes.
A side effect specific to this medication is peripheral neuropathy. It can be manifested as numbness and tingling sensation in the finger and toes.
Option A: Alopecia occurs nearly with all the neoplastic medications.
Options C and D are not related to this medication.
The clinic nurse provides instructions to a client receiving an antineoplastic medication. When implementing the plan, the nurse tells the client to?
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Solution
To consult with health care providers before receiving immunization.
Because antineoplastic medications lower the resistance of the body, clients must be informed not to received immunizations without a health care provider’s approval.
Option A: Clients need to avoid alcohol to minimize the risk of toxicity.
Option B: Diarrhea as one of the common signs of antineoplastic medication needs to avoid spicy and high-fiber foods which can increase peristalsis.
Option C: Clients need to avoid aspirin to minimize the risk of bleeding.
The client with a testicular cancer is being treated with Etoposide (Etopophos). Which of the following side effect is specifically associated with this medication?
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Solution
Orthostatic hypotension.
While on etoposide infusion, blood pressure is monitored throughout and it should be administered slowly over 30-60 minutes to avoid hypotension.
Options A and B are not related to this medication.
Option C: Alopecia happens nearly with all the neoplastic medications.
Mitomycin (Mutamycin) is prescribed to a client with colorectal cancer. All of which are the routes of administration, except?
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Solution
Oral.
Mitomycin (Mutamycin) is an antitumor antibiotic used in the treatment of anal, bladder, breast, cervical, colorectal, head and neck, and non-small cell lung cancer. There is no pill form of this medication.
Options B, C, and D are the routes of medication.
The nurse is caring for of a client who is receiving a chemotherapy. Which of the following would be expected as a result of the massive cell destruction that occurred from the chemotherapy?
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Solution
Hyperuricemia.
Increase level of uric acid (Hyperuricemia) in the body is common following the treatment for leukemias and lymphomas because chemotherapy results in massive cell destruction.
Options A, B, and C are usually noted, but an increase uric acid level is specifically related to massive cell destruction.
Chemotherapy dosing is usually based on the total body surface. What should the nurse do before administering chemotherapy?
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Solution
Weigh and measure the height of the patient on the day of administration.
To assure that the client obtains optimal doses of chemotherapy, dosing is usually based on the total body surface (BSA), which requires an accurate current measurement of height and weight on the day of the administration.
Options A and B will not provide the information needed.
Option D will lead to inaccurate value in determining the true body total surface.