A patient with colorectal cancer is admitted to the hospital ...

[jman1234]

A patient with colorectal cancer is admitted to the hospital oncology unit to receive cetuximab (Erbitux). The nurse notes that the prescriber has not ordered any other medications.
 
  The nurse will contact the prescriber to request an order for which medication in order to minimize cetuximab's side effects?
  a. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
  b. Epinephrine
  c. Ondansetron (Zofran)
  d. Magnesium supplements

Question 2

A patient with advanced prostate cancer will begin treatment with leuprolide (Lupron). The provider has ordered flutamide to be given as adjunct therapy. The patient asks the nurse why both drugs are necessary.
 
  The nurse will tell the patient that:
  a. flutamide reduces the side effects, such as hot flushes, caused by leuprolide.
  b. flutamide suppresses initial tumor flare caused by leuprolide.
  c. leuprolide helps to reduce the toxicity of flutamide.
  d. the combination of both drugs increases cancer survival.

[Cnarkel]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Cetuximab can cause severe infusion reactions. Premedication with diphenhydramine can help reduce this risk. Epinephrine is used for medical management of an infusion reaction and not to minimize the risk. Ondansetron is not indicated because nausea and vomiting are not a concern. Magnesium supplements are given when hypomagnesemia is documented, not as a preventive.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Flutamide is given with GnRH agonists, such as leuprolide, to prevent tumor flare when GnRH therapy is begun. Flutamide increases hot flushes. Leuprolide does not decrease flutamide toxicity. There is no increase in cancer survival with this combination.

[jman1234]

Both answers were spot on, thank you once again

[Cnarkel]

Great! Please up vote