A nurse is caring for a client who has colon cancer and is receiving dactinomycin, an antineoplastic antibiotic, as part of chemotherapy. The nurse should identify that dactinomycin can cause which of the following adverse effects? (Select all that apply.)
Bone marrow suppression
Skin reactions
Cardiotoxicity
Pulmonary fibrosis
Extravasation injury
Correct Answer : A,B,E
Choice A reason:
Bone marrow suppression is an adverse effect of dactinomycin, which is an antineoplastic antibiotic that works by binding to DNA and inhibiting RNA synthesis. Bone marrow suppression is the decrease in the production of blood cells, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This can cause anemia, increased risk of infection, and bleeding problems. The nurse should monitor the complete blood count and differential, which measure the number and type of blood cells in a sample of blood. The nurse should report any abnormal results to the provider and provide supportive care as ordered³.
Choice B reason:
Skin reactions are an adverse effect of dactinomycin, which can cause inflammation, rash, acne, erythema multiforme, or increased pigmentation of previously irradiated skin. Skin reactions can occur due to the direct toxicity of dactinomycin on the skin cells or due to the hypersensitivity or allergic reactions induced by dactinomycin. The nurse should monitor the skin appearance and texture and report any changes to the provider. The nurse should also provide skin care and topical agents as ordered³.
Choice E reason:
Extravasation injury is an adverse effect of dactinomycin, which can occur when the drug leaks out of the vein into the surrounding tissue during intravenous infusion. Extravasation injury can cause severe pain, swelling, redness, blistering, ulceration, or necrosis of the affected tissue. The nurse should monitor the infusion site and stop the infusion immediately if extravasation occurs. The nurse should also elevate the affected limb and apply cold compresses as ordered. The nurse should consult with the provider for further management of extravasation injury³.
Choice C reason:
Cardiotoxicity is not an adverse effect of dactinomycin, but rather of doxorubicin, which is another antineoplastic antibiotic that can cause damage to the heart muscle or valves. Cardiotoxicity can manifest as acute or chronic heart failure, arrhythmias, or myocardial infarction. The nurse should monitor the blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and electrocardiogram (ECG) regularly and report any abnormal findings to the provider .
Choice D reason:
Pulmonary fibrosis is not an adverse effect of dactinomycin, but rather of bleomycin, which is another antineoplastic antibiotic that can cause scarring of the lung tissue. Pulmonary fibrosis can manifest as shortness of breath, coughing, or reduced lung function. The nurse should monitor the respiratory rate, breath sounds, and chest xray regularly and report any abnormal findings to the provider .
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Numbness, tingling, or pain in the extremities are signs of peripheral neuropathy, which is a common and serious side effect of thalidomide³. This condition can affect the nerves that control sensation and movement in the arms and legs, and can lead to permanent nerve damage if not treated.
Choice B reason:
Drowsiness, dizziness, or confusion are signs of central nervous system depression, which is a common and serious side effect of thalidomide³. This condition can affect the brain's ability to regulate alertness, cognition, and coordination, and can increase the risk of falls, accidents, and injuries.
Choice C reason:
Constipation, nausea, or vomiting are signs of gastrointestinal distress, which is a common and mild side effect of thalidomide. This condition can affect the digestive system's ability to process food and fluids, and can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, and electrolyte imbalance if not managed.
Choice D reason:
Swelling, redness, or warmth in the legs are not directly related to thalidomide use, but may indicate a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blood clot that forms in a vein deep in the body. Thalidomide can increase the risk of DVT by affecting the blood's ability to clot normally. A DVT can be lifethreatening if it breaks off and travels to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism.
Choice E reason:
Rash, itching, or hives are signs of allergic reaction, which is a rare but serious side effect of thalidomide³. This condition can affect the skin's immune response to the drug, and can lead to severe skin reactions such as StevensJohnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis if not treated.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Pallor and weakness are signs of anemia, as they indicate a low level of hemoglobin or red blood cells that carry oxygen to the tissues. Pallor is the loss of color in the skin, especially in the face, nails, and inside of the eyelids. Weakness is the feeling of having less energy or strength than usual.
Choice B reason:
Dizziness and headache are signs of anemia, as they indicate a low level of oxygen in the brain. Dizziness is the feeling of being lightheaded or unsteady. Headache is the pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck.
Choice C reason:
Shortness of breath and tachycardia are signs of anemia, as they indicate a low level of oxygen in the lungs and heart. Shortness of breath is the feeling of not being able to breathe enough or catch your breath. Tachycardia is the abnormally fast or irregular heartbeat.
Choice D reason:
Constipation and abdominal pain are not directly related to anemia or fatigue, but may indicate other conditions such as dehydration, bowel obstruction, or infection. Constipation is the difficulty or infrequency in passing stools. Abdominal pain is the pain or discomfort in the stomach or belly area.
Choice E reason:
Difficulty sleeping and concentrating are not directly related to anemia or fatigue, but may indicate other conditions such as stress, depression, or anxiety. Difficulty sleeping is the trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. Difficulty concentrating is the trouble focusing on tasks or remembering things.
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