COCN Chemotherapy Administration and Safety — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What personal protective equipment (PPE) is required when handling chemotherapy agents?
- Double chemotherapy-rated gloves, gown, face shield, and closed-front gown (Correct answer)
- Standard exam gloves only
- Surgical mask and single gloves
- No PPE if handling oral chemotherapy
Correct answer: Double chemotherapy-rated gloves, gown, face shield, and closed-front gown
OSHA and ONS guidelines require double chemotherapy-tested gloves, a lint-free disposable gown, eye/face protection, and respiratory protection when indicated for safe handling of hazardous drugs.
Question 2: What is extravasation in the context of chemotherapy administration?
- Leakage of a vesicant drug from the vein into surrounding tissue (Correct answer)
- Normal absorption of the drug into the bloodstream
- A type of allergic reaction to chemotherapy
- The process of drug metabolism in the liver
Correct answer: Leakage of a vesicant drug from the vein into surrounding tissue
Extravasation occurs when a chemotherapy agent, particularly a vesicant, leaks from the vein into surrounding subcutaneous tissue, potentially causing severe tissue damage, necrosis, and functional impairment.
Question 3: What is the nadir period in chemotherapy treatment?
- The point at which blood cell counts reach their lowest level after treatment (Correct answer)
- The peak drug concentration in the blood
- The first day of a chemotherapy cycle
- The recovery phase after completing all treatments
Correct answer: The point at which blood cell counts reach their lowest level after treatment
The nadir is the point of lowest blood cell counts (particularly neutrophils and platelets) following chemotherapy, typically occurring 7-14 days after treatment, when patients are most vulnerable to infection and bleeding.
Question 4: What is the purpose of premedication before chemotherapy?
- To prevent or reduce side effects such as nausea, allergic reactions, and hypersensitivity (Correct answer)
- To increase the effectiveness of the chemotherapy drugs
- To sedate the patient during treatment
- To test for drug allergies before full-dose administration
Correct answer: To prevent or reduce side effects such as nausea, allergic reactions, and hypersensitivity
Premedications (antiemetics, corticosteroids, antihistamines, antipyretics) are given before chemotherapy to prevent or minimize common side effects like nausea, vomiting, and hypersensitivity reactions.
Question 5: Which chemotherapy-related emergency requires immediate intervention?
- Anaphylaxis during infusion (Correct answer)
- Mild nausea 24 hours post-treatment
- Grade 1 fatigue
- Hair thinning after the second cycle
Correct answer: Anaphylaxis during infusion
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction that requires immediate cessation of the infusion, administration of epinephrine, and emergency supportive care including airway management.
Question 6: How should chemotherapy spills be managed in a healthcare facility?
- Using a chemotherapy spill kit with absorbent materials and proper PPE per facility protocol (Correct answer)
- Wiping with regular cleaning supplies
- Asking housekeeping to clean it during regular rounds
- Covering the spill and leaving it until end of shift
Correct answer: Using a chemotherapy spill kit with absorbent materials and proper PPE per facility protocol
Chemotherapy spills require immediate response using a designated spill kit containing absorbent materials, PPE, waste disposal bags, and decontamination agents, following the facility's hazardous drug spill protocol.
COCN Chemotherapy Administration and Safety
What personal protective equipment (PPE) is required when handling chemotherapy agents?