FUNDAMENTALS OF CHEMOTHERAPY
IMMUNOTHERAPY ADMINISTRATION
100% VERIFIED
Hematologic cancer (blood cancer) - ANSWER -cancer that begins in bone marrow or
immune system cells.
-Ex: leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma
Leukemia - ANSWER cancer starts in blood-forming tissues like bone marrow
-causes lots of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter bloodstream
Lymphoma - ANSWER -cancer that begins in immune system (WBC=lymphocytes)
-hodgkin and non-hodgkins
-B lymphocytes (B cells) - make antibodies (bacteria and viruses, most common
lymphoma
-T lymphocytes (T cells) - boost/slow immune, destroy germs and abnormal cells
Hodgkin lymphoma - ANSWER Reed-Sternberg cell (cancer cells in classic)
-typically starts in B cells
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma - ANSWER -large, diverse group of cancers in immune
system cells
-indolent (slow growing) or aggressive (fast)
Myeloma - ANSWER Cancer in plasma cells (WBC that produce antibodies)
Chemotherapy - ANSWER All antineoplastic agents used to treat cancer, given through
oral and parenteral routes or other routes as specified in the standard, not including
hormonal therapies.
Who can order chemotherapy? - ANSWER Written and signed by licensed independent
practitioners (MD/DO, PA, Oncology NP)
Can you use verbal orders for chemotherapy? - ANSWER NO! Only when
holding/stopping admin.
Who can mix Chemotherapy? - ANSWER Pharmacist, Pharmacy tech, MD/DO,
qualified RN
Who can administer chemotherapy? - ANSWER Registered Nurses with specialized
education, prep and training. See specific state laws and statutes
, How often is chemo competency reassessed> - ANSWER Annual continuing ed and
competency assessment is recommended
What is the dose verification process? - ANSWER -confirm plan with patient
-two practitioners verify: drug name, dose, volume, rate, route, expiration date,
appearance
-document verification in chart
What PPE is required for IV Chemotherapy? - ANSWER -Gloves: two pairs, HD tested
-Gown: disposable, back closed, long sleeved
-Respirator: NIOSH approved
-Eye & Face: face shield/mask
Neoadjuvant therapy (tumor burden) - ANSWER Chemo BEFORE primary treatment
(common in breast and colon)
Adjuvant therapy - ANSWER Chemo AFTER primary treatment (common in solid tumor)
Bone Marrow - ANSWER soft, sponge-like tissue in center of most bones, produce
WBC, RBC, and platelets.
Myelosuppression - ANSWER bone marrow activity is decreased, causing less RBC,
WBC and Platelets.
Myeloablation - ANSWER severe myelosuppression
Induction phase - ANSWER initial phase, typically in hospital, intended
myelosuppression
Consolidation phase (intensification/postremission therapy) - ANSWER after successful
induction, kills cancer cells left in body (ex radiation, stem cell transplant)
Synergy - ANSWER when one chemo drug helps another work better at the same time
Complete response - ANSWER no identifiable cancer present for at least one month or
longer
Partial response - ANSWER Measurable tumor reduced by 50% for at least one month
with no new tumors
Stable disease - ANSWER Tumor size reduced by less than 50% or less than 25%
increase in growth
Progressive disease - ANSWER tumor growth more than 25% or new cancer
What are the phases of the cell cycle? - ANSWER -G1 phase
IMMUNOTHERAPY ADMINISTRATION
100% VERIFIED
Hematologic cancer (blood cancer) - ANSWER -cancer that begins in bone marrow or
immune system cells.
-Ex: leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma
Leukemia - ANSWER cancer starts in blood-forming tissues like bone marrow
-causes lots of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter bloodstream
Lymphoma - ANSWER -cancer that begins in immune system (WBC=lymphocytes)
-hodgkin and non-hodgkins
-B lymphocytes (B cells) - make antibodies (bacteria and viruses, most common
lymphoma
-T lymphocytes (T cells) - boost/slow immune, destroy germs and abnormal cells
Hodgkin lymphoma - ANSWER Reed-Sternberg cell (cancer cells in classic)
-typically starts in B cells
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma - ANSWER -large, diverse group of cancers in immune
system cells
-indolent (slow growing) or aggressive (fast)
Myeloma - ANSWER Cancer in plasma cells (WBC that produce antibodies)
Chemotherapy - ANSWER All antineoplastic agents used to treat cancer, given through
oral and parenteral routes or other routes as specified in the standard, not including
hormonal therapies.
Who can order chemotherapy? - ANSWER Written and signed by licensed independent
practitioners (MD/DO, PA, Oncology NP)
Can you use verbal orders for chemotherapy? - ANSWER NO! Only when
holding/stopping admin.
Who can mix Chemotherapy? - ANSWER Pharmacist, Pharmacy tech, MD/DO,
qualified RN
Who can administer chemotherapy? - ANSWER Registered Nurses with specialized
education, prep and training. See specific state laws and statutes
, How often is chemo competency reassessed> - ANSWER Annual continuing ed and
competency assessment is recommended
What is the dose verification process? - ANSWER -confirm plan with patient
-two practitioners verify: drug name, dose, volume, rate, route, expiration date,
appearance
-document verification in chart
What PPE is required for IV Chemotherapy? - ANSWER -Gloves: two pairs, HD tested
-Gown: disposable, back closed, long sleeved
-Respirator: NIOSH approved
-Eye & Face: face shield/mask
Neoadjuvant therapy (tumor burden) - ANSWER Chemo BEFORE primary treatment
(common in breast and colon)
Adjuvant therapy - ANSWER Chemo AFTER primary treatment (common in solid tumor)
Bone Marrow - ANSWER soft, sponge-like tissue in center of most bones, produce
WBC, RBC, and platelets.
Myelosuppression - ANSWER bone marrow activity is decreased, causing less RBC,
WBC and Platelets.
Myeloablation - ANSWER severe myelosuppression
Induction phase - ANSWER initial phase, typically in hospital, intended
myelosuppression
Consolidation phase (intensification/postremission therapy) - ANSWER after successful
induction, kills cancer cells left in body (ex radiation, stem cell transplant)
Synergy - ANSWER when one chemo drug helps another work better at the same time
Complete response - ANSWER no identifiable cancer present for at least one month or
longer
Partial response - ANSWER Measurable tumor reduced by 50% for at least one month
with no new tumors
Stable disease - ANSWER Tumor size reduced by less than 50% or less than 25%
increase in growth
Progressive disease - ANSWER tumor growth more than 25% or new cancer
What are the phases of the cell cycle? - ANSWER -G1 phase
