ANSWERS 2025/2026
Cancer cachexia - CORRECT ANSWER -per sample test question:temporal wasting, depleted fat
stores, profound anorexia
Multifactorial syndrome characterized by ongoing loss of skeletal muscle mass, anorexia, early
satiety, wt loss, anemia, edema, fatigue, possible metabolic alterations, increased inflammatory
markers and progressive functional impairment.
Pathophysiology characterized by negative protein energy balance driven by variable
combination of reduced food intake and abnormal metabolism
Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) - CORRECT ANSWER -a disease caused by the immune
response of histoincompatible, immunocompetent donor cells against the tissues of an
immunoincompetent host; an immuniologic reaction of allogeneic donor cells (graft) reacting
against the pt (host) tissues
Evidenced by icterus & abnormal liver functions, severe /secretory diarrhea - may need total
bowel rest --> isomotic, low residue, lactose-free diet --> solids with low lactose, fiber, fat &
acideity, gastric irritants --> regular diet
- usually 3 months after transplant (but may be 7-10 days post)
Tumor necrosis factor - CORRECT ANSWER -a protein that is produced chiefly by monocytes and
macrophages in response especially to endotoxins and that mediates inflammation and induces
the destruction of some tumor cells and the activation of white blood cells
(cachectin, interleukin-1, interleukin-6, interferon-y); a hormone-like protein that releases fat
from fat stores, reduces the concentration of enzymes required for the production and storage
of fat & induces a stage of anorexia
,Cultural-Halal diet - CORRECT ANSWER -Muslim/Islamic law.
Fasting common
Women have decreased sun exposure 2/2 coverings
Forbidden: pork, pork products, gelatin, ETOH (including extracts), diet can be low in heme iron
Cultural-Kosher diet - CORRECT ANSWER -Jewish dietary laws/ Parve:
Separate utensils for food prep/eating
Diet tends to be high in cholesterol, sat fat, sodium, consider DASH
Forbidden: pork, pork products, rabbit, shellfish, eel
ALL meats must be slaughtered according to Jewish Law, blood drained prior to cooking/eating.
Dairy: milk can be consumed prior to a meal or 3-6 hours after meal
No leavened bread during passover
Fasting during yom kippur
Cultural-Macrobiotic diet - CORRECT ANSWER -Avoid animal products including dairy, eggs,
coffee, sugar, poultry, and processed foods.
No "nightshade vegetables" including potato, peppers and eggplant
Diet may be deficient in protein, iron, zinc, vitamin B12 and calcium
50-60% from whole grains, 25-30% from veg, remaining from beans, seaweed, soups
,Cultural-Seventh-Day Adventist: - CORRECT ANSWER -Lacto-ovo vegetarian diet
Avoid overeating
Snacking discouraged
Strong seasonings avoided
Avoid: beef, lamb, pork, chicken, seafood, coffee, tea and alcohol
Diet may be deficient in protein, iron, zinc, vitamin B12 and calcium
Cultural-The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter -Day Saints (Mormons) - CORRECT ANSWER -
forbidden: ETOH, hot drinks (coffee-tea), caffeine
Church encouraged limited meat consumption and to eat mostly grains
Some fast 1 day per month and donate food money to the poor
Antiemetics-5-HT3 serotonin antagonists
Dolasetron/anzemet
Granisetron/kytril
Ondansetron/zofran - CORRECT ANSWER -most effective in the prevention and treatment of
chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), esp caused by highly emetogenic drugs
such as cisplatin; when used for this purpose, they may be given alone or, more frequently, with
glucocorticoid, usually dexamethasone.
They are usually given intravenously, shortly before administration of the chemotherapeutic
agent. The concomitant administration of a NK1 receptor antagonist, such as aprepitant,
increases the efficacy of 5-HT3 antagonists in preventing both acute and delayed CINV.
The 5-HT3 antagonists are also indicated in the prevention and treatment of radiation-induced
nausea and vomiting (RINV) and post-op nausea and vomiting (PONV).
, Side effects: headache, diarrhea, constipation, possible EKG changes, somnolence
Chemotx that cause delayed N/V - CORRECT ANSWER -associated with cisplatin,
cyclophosphamide, and other drugs (e.g., doxorubicin and ifosfamide) given at high doses or
given on 2 or more consecutive days
Suggestions for managing anticipatory nausea & vomiting: - CORRECT ANSWER -Physchological
techniques and/or the use of benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan®)
Suggestions for Managing Nausea & Vomiting: - CORRECT ANSWER -*Eat small, frequent meals
and snacks
*Eat toast, crackers, dry cereal, bread sticks, pretzels
*Try yogurt, sherbet, rice, noodles, baked chicken
*Serve foods cold or at room temperature
*Avoid hot, spicy foods
*Avoid fatty, greasy and fried foods- potato chips, french fries, fried meat and sausage
*Avoid sweet, fatty foods such as candy, cookies or cake
*Avoid caffeine and alcohol
*Suck on hard candies, peppermints or lemon drops
*Slowly drink or sip liquids throughout the day including sports drinks, ginger ale, apple juice
and flat pop
*Try Ensure® Enlive!
Mucositis - CORRECT ANSWER -painful inflammation & ulceration of the mucous membranes
lining the digestive tract, can affect the entire alimentary track from the mouth to the rectum.
Usually as an adverse effect of chemotherapy and radiation treatment for cancer.