Chemotherapy drugs cannot selectively distinguish between normal cells and cancer cells.
True
False
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A: True
Chemotherapy drugs work by targeting rapidly dividing cells, a characteristic of cancer cells. However, they cannot selectively distinguish between cancer cells and normal cells that also divide rapidly, such as those in the bone marrow, digestive tract, and hair follicles. This lack of selectivity leads to the common side effects of chemotherapy, such as hair loss, nausea, and decreased blood cell counts. The inability to differentiate between normal and cancer cells is a significant limitation of traditional chemotherapy.
Choice B: False
This choice is incorrect. If chemotherapy drugs could selectively target only cancer cells, the treatment would have fewer side effects and be more effective. However, the non-selective nature of these drugs means they also damage normal, healthy cells that divide rapidly. This non-selectivity is why patients undergoing chemotherapy often experience a range of side effects, as the treatment impacts both cancerous and healthy cells.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A: Hypotonic
A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes compared to the fluid inside the cells. When cells are placed in a hypotonic solution, water enters the cells, causing them to swell and potentially burst. This is because the osmotic pressure drives water into the cells to balance the solute concentration. Hypotonic solutions are not used to describe a state where extracellular and intracellular fluids have the same osmolality.
Choice B: Oncotic Pressure
Oncotic pressure, also known as colloid osmotic pressure, is the form of osmotic pressure exerted by proteins, primarily albumin, in the blood plasma. It plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance between the blood vessels and the surrounding tissues by pulling water into the circulatory system. Oncotic pressure is not related to the concept of equal osmolality between extracellular and intracellular fluids.
Choice C: Isotonic
An isotonic solution has the same concentration of solutes as the fluid inside the cells. When extracellular fluid is isotonic to intracellular fluid, there is no net movement of water into or out of the cells, maintaining cell stability. This balance is crucial for normal cellular function and is the term used to describe equal osmolality between extracellular and intracellular fluids.
Choice D: Hypertonic
A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes compared to the fluid inside the cells. When cells are placed in a hypertonic solution, water leaves the cells, causing them to shrink or crenate. This occurs because the osmotic pressure drives water out of the cells to balance the solute concentration. Hypertonic solutions are not used to describe a state where extracellular and intracellular fluids have the same osmolality.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Monitoring the CXR (chest X-ray) results is not directly related to assessing myelosuppression. A chest X-ray is typically used to evaluate the lungs and heart, and while it can help identify infections or other complications, it does not provide information about bone marrow activity or blood cell counts. Myelosuppression specifically affects the production of blood cells in the bone marrow, which is best assessed through blood tests like the CBC (Complete Blood Count).
Choice B Reason:
Monitoring the BMP (Basic Metabolic Panel), especially the sodium, potassium, and magnesium counts, is important for evaluating electrolyte balance and kidney function. However, it does not directly assess myelosuppression. Myelosuppression involves the suppression of bone marrow activity, leading to decreased production of blood cells, which is not reflected in electrolyte levels.
Choice C Reason:
Monitoring the CBC (Complete Blood Count), especially the neutrophil, platelet, and RBC (red blood cell) counts, is the most appropriate method for assessing myelosuppression. Myelosuppression results in decreased production of blood cells, including neutrophils (a type of white blood cell), platelets, and red blood cells. A CBC provides detailed information about these cell counts and helps identify conditions like neutropenia (low neutrophil count), thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), and anemia (low red blood cell count), which are common consequences of myelosuppression.
Choice D Reason:
Monitoring the spinal fluid analysis is not relevant for assessing myelosuppression. Spinal fluid analysis is typically used to diagnose conditions affecting the central nervous system, such as infections, bleeding, or multiple sclerosis. It does not provide information about bone marrow activity or blood cell counts, which are the primary concerns in myelosuppression.
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