Chemotherapy Administration and Safety Flashcards
6 cards from real CPHON practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Chemotherapy Administration and Safety flashcards as text
Which chemotherapy class works by cross-linking DNA strands to prevent cell replication?
Answer: Alkylating agents
Alkylating agents attach alkyl groups to DNA, causing cross-links that prevent strand separation and halt replication.
When administering L-asparaginase, the nurse's PRIORITY assessment is monitoring for:
Answer: Anaphylaxis
L-asparaginase is a protein derived from bacteria and carries a significant risk of hypersensitivity or anaphylactic reactions.
A pediatric patient is receiving continuous infusion of 5-fluorouracil. Which assessment finding warrants immediate notification of the provider?
Answer: Chest pain and cardiac arrhythmia
5-fluorouracil can cause coronary vasospasm and cardiotoxicity, making chest pain and arrhythmias a medical emergency.
What is the recommended maximum cumulative lifetime dose of doxorubicin in pediatric patients to minimize cardiotoxicity?
Answer: 450–550 mg/m²
The cumulative lifetime dose of doxorubicin is generally capped at 450–550 mg/m² to reduce the risk of cardiomyopathy.
A child is prescribed bleomycin as part of a lymphoma protocol. Which baseline test is MOST important before starting therapy?
Answer: Pulmonary function tests
Bleomycin causes pulmonary fibrosis; baseline pulmonary function tests help detect early lung toxicity during treatment.
Which chemotherapy agent is classified as a topoisomerase II inhibitor and requires cardiac monitoring?
Answer: Etoposide
Etoposide inhibits topoisomerase II, which can cause secondary leukemia and requires monitoring for hypotension during infusion.