Question

2. The oncology clinical nurse specialist (CNS) is asked to develop a staff development program for registered nurses who will be administering chemotherapeutic agents. Because the nurses will be administering a variety of chemotherapeutic drugs to oncology patients, the CNS plans on presenting an overview of agents, classifications, and special precautions related to the safe handling and administration of these drugs. (Learning Objectives 6 and 8) a. What does the CNS describe as the goals of chemotherapy? b. How should the CNS respond to the following question: "Why do patients require rounds of chemotherapeutic drugs, including different drugs and varying intervals?" C. In teaching about the administration of chemotherapeutic agents, what signs of extravasation should the nurse include? d. What clinical manifestations of myelosuppression, secondary to chemotherapy administration, should the CNS include in this program?

Answer 1

A.The three main goals of chemotherapy:

1.Cure: In benign cancer, chemotherapy is used to treat cancer.

2. Control: Chemotherapy is used to shrink tumours and/or stop cancer from growing and spreading.

3.Palliation: chemotherapy is given to ease cancer symptoms. It is used to shrink the tumour so, that it relieves pain or pressure.

b.chemotherapy treatments are given in repeating cycles. Based on the type of cancer and drugs action. A cycle means that a single cancer drug or a combination of drugs administered and then have a rest to allow the body to recover. Most cycles range from 2 to 6 weeks.

C. Initially, the most common signs of extravasation are feelings of tingling, burning, discomfort/pain or swelling, and redness at the injection site. Later symptoms may include blistering, necrosis and ulceration.

D. The most common clinical manifestation of Myelosuppression includes Anemia, Neutropenia and Thrombocytopenia.

Anaemia includes fatigue, dizziness and shortness of breath. Neutropenia results in a reduction in the body's ability to fight off disease. Signs of infection including swelling, redness or an area that is warm to the touch. Thrombocytopenia is most commonly characterized by easy bruising and bleeding from the nose, gums or mouth.