Chemotherapy Administration Flashcards

Which chemotherapy drug requires leucovorin rescue to prevent life-threatening toxicity?

Answer: High-dose methotrexate

Leucovorin (folinic acid) rescue is used after high-dose methotrexate to protect normal cells from folate depletion toxicity.

Doxorubicin has a cumulative lifetime dose limit primarily because of which toxicity?

Answer: Cardiomyopathy

Doxorubicin accumulates in cardiac tissue and can cause irreversible cardiomyopathy; the total lifetime dose is capped at 450–550 mg/m².

What is the purpose of using a CVAD (central venous access device) for chemotherapy?

Answer: To safely administer vesicants and reduce peripheral vein damage

CVADs provide reliable venous access for vesicant infusions, protecting peripheral veins and reducing extravasation risk.

Before administering paclitaxel, the nurse should premedicate with which agents to prevent hypersensitivity reactions?

Answer: Corticosteroids, diphenhydramine, and an H2 blocker

Paclitaxel's Cremophor EL solvent causes hypersensitivity reactions; premedication with a steroid, antihistamine, and H2 blocker is required.

Which chemotherapy class works by intercalating into DNA strands and inhibiting topoisomerase II?

Answer: Anthracyclines

Anthracyclines such as doxorubicin intercalate into DNA and inhibit topoisomerase II, preventing DNA replication.

Oral chemotherapy education should stress which of the following to patients?

Answer: Never handle tablets with bare hands and use safe disposal methods

Oral chemotherapy is still a hazardous drug requiring gloves for handling and proper disposal to protect the patient and household members.