Medications Affecting the Immune System: Chemotherapy Agents

Flashcards covering chemotherapy agents, detection methods, side effects, nursing interventions, and specific pharmacological treatments.

According to the CAUTION acronym for cancer detection, what does the letter 'C' represent?

Change in bowel or bladder habits

At what age should a client ideally begin receiving yearly mammograms?

$$40$$

What is the primary goal of chemotherapy regarding therapeutic and toxic effects?

To maximize therapeutic effects while reducing toxic effects

Which specific tissues and cells are most affected by cytotoxic chemotherapy due to their rapid division?

Bone marrow, GI cells, hair follicles, and gonadal cells

What is the purpose of Adjuvant therapy in cancer treatment?

To destroy or reduce the spread of cancer after surgery or radiation therapy

What is the rationale behind using Combination Therapy (combining $2$ or more chemotherapy agents)?

The drugs act on different phases of the cell cycle, decrease drug resistance, increase effectiveness for remission, and reduce toxic effects to normal cells

What is the mechanism of action for Doxorubicin (Adriamycin, Rubex)?

It binds to DNA and inhibits DNA and RNA synthesis, causing death to rapidly dividing cells

Which vital organ function must be closely monitored in a patient taking Doxorubicin due to potential toxicity?

Cardiac function (monitoring for cardiac toxicity)

During which phase of the cell cycle does Vincristine stop cell division?

M-phase (mitosis)

What is a signature adverse effect of Vincristine that nurses must monitor for?

Peripheral neuropathy

Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) is associated with which specific adverse effect involving the bladder?

Hemorrhagic cystitis

What is the mechanism of action for the hormone antagonist Leuprolide?

It decreases levels of testosterone used by the testis

What are the common adverse effects of Leuprolide that a client should be aware of?

Hot flashes, Gynecomastia (enlarged breast), bone loss, and decreased libido

How does Tamoxifen treat estrogen-dependent breast cancer?

It competes with estrogen for binding sites in the breast and stops the growth of the cancer

What are two serious risks associated with Tamoxifen treatment?

Increased risk for Pulmonary Embolism (PE) and increased risk for endometrial cancer

What is the clinical use and function of Interferon Alfa-2B?

It is a biologic response modifier used for cancers and viral infections (hepatitis) that boosts the patient immune response to tumors and viruses

Besides cancer, what other conditions is Methotrexate used to treat?

Rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis

What is the mechanism of action for Methotrexate?

It inhibits folic acid metabolism, which inhibits cell reproduction leading to the death of rapidly replicating cells

What dietary and environmental precautions should a patient on Methotrexate follow?

Avoid fresh fruits and vegetables, avoid sick people, and avoid flowers

Define 'Nadir' in the context of chemotherapy administration.

The period $7-14$ days after chemotherapy administration when blood cell counts are at their lowest

At what platelet count is a patient considered at risk for spontaneous bleeding?

$$< 20,000\,cells$$

Which medication is specifically used to increase White Blood Cell (WBC) counts in patients with myelosuppression?

Filgrastim (Neupogen)

Which medication is used to increase Red Blood Cell (RBC) counts as an alternative to a blood transfusion?

Epoietin alpha (Procrit, Epogen)

What is the benefit of adding Dexamethasone (Decadron) to a regimen of anti-nausea drugs?

It is a steroid that increases the effects of other anti-nausea drugs

What are the recommended nursing interventions for oral care in patients with mouth sores (stomatitis)?

Provide frequent oral care using soft toothbrushes and avoid mouthwash containing alcohol

What is the definition of a 'vesicant' in chemotherapy administration?

An agent that causes extravasation if it leaks outside of the vein

What is the difference between cancer 'Staging' and 'Grading'?

Staging determines where the cancer is located and its extent of invasion, while Grading examines potential cancer cells under a microscope to compare them to normal parent cells