Chemotherapy - ANSWERThis type of cancer treatment is trained to recognize rapidly dividing cells. (This includes hair follicles and GI cells, which are also rapidly dividing.) It is systemic and effects all body tissues. It can kill metastatic cells.
Risk for Infection - ANSWERThis is the PRIMARY...
Chemotherapy - ANSWERThis type of cancer treatment is trained to recognize rapidly dividing cells.
(This includes hair follicles and GI cells, which are also rapidly dividing.) It is systemic and effects all
body tissues. It can kill metastatic cells.
Risk for Infection - ANSWERThis is the PRIMARY risk for patients on chemotherapy.
Reasons for using Chemotherapy - ANSWERThese include:
- A Cure
- Increased Survival Time
- Decreased life threatening complications
Chemotherapy Types: Antimetabolites - ANSWERThis is a type of chemotherapy that is considered
renal and hepatotoxic
Ex: Methotrexate
Chemotherapy Types: Antitumor Antibiotics - ANSWERThis is a type of chemotherapy that is
considered cardio-toxic. It can cause a patient to go into heart failure.
Ex: Adriamycin (This is Ototoxic and Nephrotoxic)
Chemotherapy Types: Alkylating Agents - ANSWERThis is a type of chemotherapy that is considered
Renal and Ototoxic. It can cause seizures. Have the patient drink and void frequently.
- Be concerned with Cystitis / pinkish urine
Chemotherapy Types: Antimiotic Agents/Plant Alkaloids - ANSWERThis is a type of chemotherapy
that is considered Neurotoxic and can cause parastesia.
Ex: Vincristine. This can cause bowel hyper-motility, but usually hypo-motility
Chemotherapy Types: Hormones - ANSWERThis is a type of chemotherapy that is an Anti-Estrogen
agent, used for breast cancer.
Ex: Tamoxifen
Chemotherapy Types: Miscellaneous Agents - ANSWERExamples of these are Matulane and
Procarbazine, which are used to treat nausea and vomiting.
Nadir - ANSWERThis is the time when bone marrow activity and blood counts are the lowest. Usually
7-28 days for most drugs. Combination Chemotherapy is the most effective because each medication
kills cells at varying times.
Routes of Chemotherapy Administration - ANSWERThese include
- Intravenous (Systemic and Rapid delivery)
, - CVAD - Central Venus Access Device
* When going for placement of this: Prep vitals, etc. It should be 1st patient of the day to deal with
unless there is an emergency.
Types of Catheters - ANSWERThese include:
- PICC Line
- Portacath
PICC Line Catheter - ANSWERThis catheter for chemotherapy has 2 ports. A certifyed RN can insert
this.
Things to observe for:
- Any cyanosis or change in VS, call Dr. Stat
- If there is a break or rupture in the line - Clamp between the break and the patient. This line can
stay in place for years.
Portacath Catheter - ANSWERThis catheter for chemotherapy that has an implanted port which looks
like a pacemaker. With this:
Palpate, locate the center of septum, aspirate and discard 5 mL
Once the incision is healed, patients can go back to normal activity.
Extravasation - ANSWERThis is a complication that can occur during chemotherapy. Chemo is a tissue
irritant, and if it leaks into the surrounding area or becomes infiltrated, Erthema and Edema can
occur.
- less than .5 mL heals itself. Anything greater is a large problem.
Extravasation Actions - ANSWERWith this, first FILE INCIDENT REPORT. Then:
- Discontinue
- Follow facilities policy
- Call MD
- Follow MD's orders
- Monitor S&S
- Monitor Patient for the remainder of the shift
- Give a report to the next nurse about what occurred.
Side Effects of Chemotherapy: Alopecia - ANSWERThis usually happens 2-4 weeks after treatment
begins. Hair regrows 1-2 months after chemotherapy is done. It may become a different texture
though.
Side Effects of Chemotherapy: Nausea and Vomiting - ANSWERChemo is considered emitogenic
(vomit inducing) This lasts 1-2 days after chemo is stopped. If a patient gets nauseous the first time,
they may get anticipatory nausea before future treatment. They shouldn't eat or drink 4 - 6 hours
before.
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