Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy in Oncology
Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy in Oncology ( 5 Questions)
A nurse is administering erlotinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, to a client who has lung cancer. The nurse should instruct the client to report which of the following adverse effects of this drug? (Select all that apply.)
Diarrhea and abdominal pain are common and potentially serious adverse effects of erlotinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that blocks the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and inhibits the growth and survival of cancer cells. Erlotinib is used to treat lung cancer, a type of cancer that affects the respiratory system. Diarrhea and abdominal pain can indicate gastrointestinal toxicity, which can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and perforation. The client should report these symptoms to the provider and receive appropriate treatment, such as fluids, electrolytes, and antidiarrheal drugs.
Jaundice and dark urine are rare but serious adverse effects of erlotinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that is used to treat lung cancer. Jaundice and dark urine can indicate liver damage, which can impair the liver's function and cause complications, such as bleeding, infection, and encephalopathy. The client should report these symptoms to the provider and have their liver function tests, such as serum bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, and transaminases, monitored regularly.
Skin rash and dry skin are common and usually mild adverse effects of erlotinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that is used to treat lung cancer. Skin rash and dry skin can occur because erlotinib affects the EGFR in the skin cells as well as the cancer cells. The client should report these symptoms to the provider and use moisturizers, sunscreen, and mild soap to prevent skin irritation and infection.
Chest pain and dyspnea are not common adverse effects of erlotinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that is used to treat lung cancer. Chest pain and dyspnea may be caused by other factors, such as cardiac or pulmonary problems. The client should report these symptoms to the provider and have their cardiac and pulmonary function assessed.
Fever and chills are not common adverse effects of erlotinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that is used to treat lung cancer. Fever and chills may indicate infection, which is a risk factor for clients receiving chemotherapy. Chemotherapy drugs can suppress the immune system and make the client more susceptible to infections. The client should report these symptoms to the provider and have their temperature, white blood cell count, and cultures monitored.
Choice A reason:
Diarrhea and abdominal pain are common and potentially serious adverse effects of erlotinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that blocks the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and inhibits the growth and survival of cancer cells. Erlotinib is used to treat lung cancer, a type of cancer that affects the respiratory system. Diarrhea and abdominal pain can indicate gastrointestinal toxicity, which can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and perforation. The client should report these symptoms to the provider and receive appropriate treatment, such as fluids, electrolytes, and antidiarrheal drugs.
Choice B reason:
Jaundice and dark urine are rare but serious adverse effects of erlotinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that is used to treat lung cancer. Jaundice and dark urine can indicate liver damage, which can impair the liver's function and cause complications, such as bleeding, infection, and encephalopathy. The client should report these symptoms to the provider and have their liver function tests, such as serum bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, and transaminases, monitored regularly.
Choice C reason:
Skin rash and dry skin are common and usually mild adverse effects of erlotinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that is used to treat lung cancer. Skin rash and dry skin can occur because erlotinib affects the EGFR in the skin cells as well as the cancer cells. The client should report these symptoms to the provider and use moisturizers, sunscreen, and mild soap to prevent skin irritation and infection.
Choice D reason:
Chest pain and dyspnea are not common adverse effects of erlotinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that is used to treat lung cancer. Chest pain and dyspnea may be caused by other factors, such as cardiac or pulmonary problems. The client should report these symptoms to the provider and have their cardiac and pulmonary function assessed.
Choice E reason:
Fever and chills are not common adverse effects of erlotinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that is used to treat lung cancer. Fever and chills may indicate infection, which is a risk factor for clients receiving chemotherapy. Chemotherapy drugs can suppress the immune system and make the client more susceptible to infections. The client should report these symptoms to the provider and have their temperature, white blood cell count, and cultures monitored.