Chemotherapy Administration and Safety Flashcards

What personal protective equipment (PPE) is required when handling chemotherapy agents?

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.

What is extravasation in the context of chemotherapy administration?

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.

What is the nadir period in chemotherapy treatment?

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.

What is the purpose of premedication before chemotherapy?

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.

Which chemotherapy-related emergency requires immediate intervention?

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.

How should chemotherapy spills be managed in a healthcare facility?

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.