A patient who has cancer is about to begin chemotherapy. The ...

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A patient who has cancer is about to begin chemotherapy. The patient asks the nurse why two chemotherapeutic agents are being used instead of just one. Which response by the nurse is correct?
 
  a. The drugs may be given in less toxic doses if two drugs are used.
  b. Two agents used together can have synergistic effects.
  c. Use of two drugs will increase tumorcidal activity in the G0 phase of the cell.
  d. Using two agents will shorten the length of time chemotherapy is needed.

Question 2

A patient who is about to begin chemotherapy asks the nurse when the risk of infection is highest. The nurse will tell the patient that infection risk is greatest at which point?
 
  a. A week to 10 days after each chemotherapy dose
  b. During the week immediately after chemotherapy
  c. Immediately prior to each dose of chemotherapy
  d. When the patient's temperature is elevated by 1 F

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Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Using two or more chemotherapeutic agents can have a synergistic effect. Combination therapy typically uses two drugs with different dose-limiting toxicities, but the use of more than one drug does not allow for using less toxic doses. Combination therapy allows cell kill in all phases of the cell cycle. Combination therapy does not shorten the length of time chemotherapy is needed.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Following chemotherapy administration, the time at which the blood count, including white blood cells, is lowest is typically 7 to 10 days after treatment.

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