ONS Fundamentals of Chemotherapy
Immunotherapy Administration
1.Hematologic cancer (blood cancer)
ANS -cancer that begins in bone marrow or immune system cells.
-Ex leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma
2.Leukemia
ANS cancer starts in blood-forming tissues like bone marrow
-causes lots of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter
bloodstream
3.Lymphoma
ANS -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
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,4.Hodgkin lymphoma
ANS Reed-Sternberg cell (cancer cells in classic)
-typically starts in B cells
5.Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
ANS -large, diverse group of cancers in immune system cells
-indolent (slow growing) or aggressive (fast)
6.Myeloma
ANS Cancer in plasma cells (WBC that produce antibodies)
7.Chemotherapy
ANS 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.
8.Who can order chemotherapy?
ANS Written and signed by licensed independent practitioners
(MD/DO, PA, Oncology NP)
9.Can you use verbal orders for chemotherapy?
ANS NO! Only when holding/stop- ping admin.
10.Who can mix Chemotherapy?
ANS Pharmacist, Pharmacy tech, MD/DO, qualified RN
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, 11.Who can administer chemotherapy?
ANS Registered Nurses with specialized ed- ucation, prep and training.
See specific state laws and statutes
12.How often is chemo competency reassessed>
ANS Annual continuing ed and competency assessment is
recommended
13.What is the dose verification process?
ANS -confirm plan with patient
-two practitioners verify
drug name, dose, volume, rate, route, expiration date, appearance
-document verification in chart
14.What PPE is required for IV Chemotherapy?
ANS -Gloves
two pairs, HD tested
-Gown
disposable, back closed, long sleeved
-Respirator
NIOSH approved
-Eye & Face
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24
Immunotherapy Administration
1.Hematologic cancer (blood cancer)
ANS -cancer that begins in bone marrow or immune system cells.
-Ex leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma
2.Leukemia
ANS cancer starts in blood-forming tissues like bone marrow
-causes lots of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter
bloodstream
3.Lymphoma
ANS -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
1/
24
,4.Hodgkin lymphoma
ANS Reed-Sternberg cell (cancer cells in classic)
-typically starts in B cells
5.Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
ANS -large, diverse group of cancers in immune system cells
-indolent (slow growing) or aggressive (fast)
6.Myeloma
ANS Cancer in plasma cells (WBC that produce antibodies)
7.Chemotherapy
ANS 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.
8.Who can order chemotherapy?
ANS Written and signed by licensed independent practitioners
(MD/DO, PA, Oncology NP)
9.Can you use verbal orders for chemotherapy?
ANS NO! Only when holding/stop- ping admin.
10.Who can mix Chemotherapy?
ANS Pharmacist, Pharmacy tech, MD/DO, qualified RN
2/
24
, 11.Who can administer chemotherapy?
ANS Registered Nurses with specialized ed- ucation, prep and training.
See specific state laws and statutes
12.How often is chemo competency reassessed>
ANS Annual continuing ed and competency assessment is
recommended
13.What is the dose verification process?
ANS -confirm plan with patient
-two practitioners verify
drug name, dose, volume, rate, route, expiration date, appearance
-document verification in chart
14.What PPE is required for IV Chemotherapy?
ANS -Gloves
two pairs, HD tested
-Gown
disposable, back closed, long sleeved
-Respirator
NIOSH approved
-Eye & Face
3/
24