Author Question: The client receives several chemotherapeutic agents as treatments for cancer. The client asks the ... (Read 63 times)

fbq8i · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The client receives several chemotherapeutic agents as treatments for cancer. The client asks the nurse why he needs so many drugs. What is the best response by the nurse?

1. Using multiple drugs means a shorter treatment time.
2. Using multiple drugs decreases the incidence of side effects.
3. Using multiple drugs will help kill more of the cancer.
4. Using multiple drugs is more cost-effective in treating cancer.

Question 2

The client receives cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan). The nurse evaluates the client's laboratory work. Which laboratory finding would support canceling the client's next treatment with this drug?

1. Hemoglobin of 14 g/dl
2. Blood urea nitrogen of 12 mg/dl
3. WBC count of 8,000 cells/mcl
4. Platelet count of 8,000/mm

babybsemail · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Using multiple drugs does not shorten the time required for treatment.
Rationale 2: Using multiple drugs does not decrease the incidence of side effects.
Rationale 3: Using multiple drugs is the goal of combination treatment because more of the cancer cells will be killed with this approach.
Rationale 4: Using multiple drugs is not more cost-effective.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 1: A hemoglobin of 14 g/dl is a normal level; there is no need to cancel the treatment.
Rationale 2: A blood urea nitrogen of 12 mg/dl is within a normal range; there is no need to cancel the treatment.
Rationale 3: A WBC of 8,000 cells/mcl is within a normal range; there is no need to cancel the treatment.
Rationale 4: A normal platelet count is at least 150,000. The client's count is at a dangerous level, and the client is at risk for hemorrhage, so this client should not receive another treatment of cyclophosphamide until numbers have increased.