A patient who has a brain tumor will receive a nitrosourea agent. ...

[Evvie72]

A patient who has a brain tumor will receive a nitrosourea agent. A nursing student asks why this type of drug is used for this type of cancer. The nurse will tell the student that nitrosoureas are because they:
 
  a. are lipophilic.
  b. are bifunctional alkylating agents.
  c. have a broad spectrum of antineoplastic characteristics.
  d. have delayed bone marrow suppression.

Question 2

A patient is receiving intravenous vincristine (Oncovin). The patient complains of pain at the IV insertion site. The nurse examines the site and notes an area of erythema and edema. What will the nurse do?
 
  a. Change the IV site and notify the provider of the extravasation.
  b. Contact the provider to suggest using a different chemotherapeutic agent.
  c. Obtain an order for a topical anesthetic to minimize discomfort.
  d. Slow the rate of infusion to reduce the patient's discomfort.

[kardosa007]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Nitrosoureas are lipophilic and thus are able to cross the blood-brain barrier, making them more effective against solid tumors in the brain. They are alkylating agents with a broad spectrum of antineoplastic activity, but these are not the deciding factors in their use for brain tumors. Delayed bone marrow suppression is their major dose-limiting toxicity.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Vincristine is a vesicant; extravasation of these agents can cause severe local injury that sometimes requires surgical debridement and skin grafting. The site should be changed, and the provider should be notified. Requesting a different drug is not indicated. Topical anesthetics will not prevent local tissue injury. Slowing the rate of infusion will not prevent local tissue injury.

[Evvie72]

Thank you!

[kardosa007]

Always glad to help...