The nurse is preparing to administer methotrexate by mouth to a ...

[folubunmi]

The nurse is preparing to administer methotrexate by mouth to a client with cancer. For what reasons would the nurse use the PO route rather than the other routes of administration?
 
  Standard Text: Select all that apply.
  1. The PO route is more acceptable to the client.
  2. The PO route decreases the risk for phlebitis.
  3. The PO route decreases the risk for tissue necrosis.
  4. The PO route decreases the risk for nausea.
  5. The PO route decreases the risk for vomiting.

Question 2

Most chemotherapeutic medications are administered intermittently, using specific dosing schedules. A factor that does not affect the dosing schedule is:
 
  1. the psychological stage of the client.
  2. the condition of the client.
  3. the type of tumor.
  4. the stage of the disease.

[sokh]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1,2,3
Rationale 1: The PO route is more acceptable to clients than the other routes of administration.
Rationale 2: Receiving chemotherapeutic agents by mouth rather than intravenously decreases the risk for phlebitis.
Rationale 3: Receiving chemotherapeutic agents by mouth rather than intravenously decreases the risk for tissue necrosis.
Rationale 4: Receiving chemotherapeutic agents by mouth does not decrease the risk for nausea.
Rationale 5: Receiving chemotherapeutic agents by mouth does not decrease the risk for vomiting.
Global Rationale: The PO route is the easiest, most convenient, and least expensive route for chemotherapy administration. Patients can self-administer their PO chemotherapy medications at home. This route decreases risk of phlebitis and tissue necrosis, but does not decrease adverse effects such as nausea and vomiting.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: This is not a factor in determining the dosing schedule.
Rationale 2: This is a factor in determining the dosing schedule.
Rationale 3: This is a factor in determining the dosing schedule.
Rationale 4: This is a factor in determining the dosing schedule.
Global Rationale: The specific dosing schedule chosen depends on the type of tumor, stage of the disease, and overall condition of the patient. Psychological state of the patient is not a major consideration in dosing.