What type of chemotherapeutic agent alters the function of cells by replacing a hydrogen atom of a molecule?
- A. Plant alkaloids
- B. Antimetabolites
- C. Alkylating agents
- D. Antitumor antibiotics
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Alkylating agents replace a hydrogen atom with an alkyl group, disrupting DNA and causing cell death. Plant alkaloids block spindle formation, antimetabolites mimic metabolic elements to halt DNA synthesis, and antitumor antibiotics interfere with DNA replication and transcription.
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What chemotherapeutic agent is classified as an antitumor antibiotic?
- A. Cisplatin (Platinol AQ)
- B. Vincristine (Oncovin)
- C. Methotrexate (Texall)
- D. Daunorubicin (Cerubidine)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Daunorubicin is an antitumor antibiotic that disrupts DNA replication. Cisplatin is an alkylating agent, vincristine is a plant alkaloid, and methotrexate is an antimetabolite, each with distinct mechanisms of action.
As part of the diagnostic evaluation of a child with cancer, biopsies are important for staging. What statement explains what staging means?
- A. Extent of the disease at the time of diagnosis
- B. Rate normal cells are being replaced by cancer cells
- C. Biologic characteristics of the tumor or lymph nodes
- D. Abnormal, unrestricted growth of cancer cells producing organ damage
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Staging describes the extent of cancer at diagnosis, correlating with prognosis. It doesn?t measure cell replacement rates, describe tumor biology (which is classification), or define cancer growth mechanisms, but rather quantifies disease spread for treatment planning.
Chemotherapeutic agents are classified according to what feature?
- A. Side effects
- B. Effectiveness
- C. Mechanism of action
- D. Route of administration
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Chemotherapeutic agents are classified by mechanism of action (e.g., antimetabolites block DNA synthesis). Side effects may be similar within classes but aren?t the basis for classification, effectiveness varies by cancer type and protocol, and route depends on pharmacokinetics.
Nursing care of the child with myelosuppression from leukemia or chemotherapeutic agents should include which therapeutic intervention?
- A. Restrict oral fluids.
- B. Institute strict isolation.
- C. Use good hand-washing technique.
- D. Give immunizations appropriate for age.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Good hand-washing reduces infection risk in myelosuppressed children by minimizing exposure to pathogens. Oral fluids are encouraged, strict isolation isn?t needed, and immunizations are ineffective or risky during immunosuppression.
What immunization should not be given to a child receiving chemotherapy for cancer?
- A. Tetanus vaccine
- B. Inactivated poliovirus vaccine
- C. Diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus (DPT)
- D. Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: MMR, a live virus vaccine, risks severe disease in immunocompromised children receiving chemotherapy. Tetanus, inactivated poliovirus, and DPT are safe but may have reduced efficacy, often delayed until immunosuppression resolves.
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