OCN Chemotherapy Administration 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which chemotherapy agent is classified as a vesicant and requires careful monitoring for extravasation?
- Vincristine (Correct answer)
- Methotrexate
- Cyclophosphamide
- Fluorouracil
Correct answer: Vincristine
Vincristine is a vesicant that can cause severe tissue necrosis if it extravasates from the vein.
Question 2: What is the correct action if extravasation of a vesicant chemotherapy agent is suspected?
- Stop the infusion immediately and leave the needle in place (Correct answer)
- Flush the IV line rapidly with saline
- Increase the infusion rate to dilute the drug
- Apply heat to the site to promote absorption
Correct answer: Stop the infusion immediately and leave the needle in place
The infusion must be stopped immediately and the needle left in place so residual drug can be aspirated before further intervention.
Question 3: Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is required when handling hazardous chemotherapy drugs?
- Double gloves, gown, and eye protection (Correct answer)
- Single gloves only
- N95 mask and gloves
- Surgical mask and gown only
Correct answer: Double gloves, gown, and eye protection
NIOSH and ONS guidelines require double chemotherapy-rated gloves, a protective gown, and eye/face protection when handling hazardous drugs.
Question 4: A patient receiving cisplatin needs prehydration primarily to prevent which toxicity?
- Nephrotoxicity (Correct answer)
- Cardiotoxicity
- Hepatotoxicity
- Pulmonary toxicity
Correct answer: Nephrotoxicity
Cisplatin is highly nephrotoxic, and aggressive IV hydration before and after administration is required to protect renal function.
Question 5: Which route of administration bypasses the blood-brain barrier most effectively for CNS tumors?
- Intrathecal (Correct answer)
- Intravenous
- Oral
- Subcutaneous
Correct answer: Intrathecal
Intrathecal administration delivers chemotherapy directly into the cerebrospinal fluid, bypassing the blood-brain barrier.
Question 6: What lab value must be assessed before administering methotrexate at high doses?
- Creatinine clearance/renal function (Correct answer)
- Liver enzymes only
- Complete blood count only
- Serum calcium
Correct answer: Creatinine clearance/renal function
High-dose methotrexate requires adequate renal clearance to prevent toxic accumulation; creatinine clearance must be assessed before dosing.
OCN Chemotherapy Administration 1
Which chemotherapy agent is classified as a vesicant and requires careful monitoring for extravasation?