A 58-year-old man is going to have chemotherapy for lung cancer. He asks the nurse how the chemotherapeutic drugs will work.The most accurate explanation the nurse can give is which of the following?
"The molecular structure of the DNA is altered."
"Cancer cells are susceptible to drug toxins."
"Chemotherapy encourages cancer cells to divide."
"Chemotherapy affects all rapidly dividing cells."
The Correct Answer is D
Chemotherapy is a treatment modality used to target and destroy rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells. It works by interfering with the cell division process, which is a characteristic of cancer cells. However, it is important to note that chemotherapy drugs can also affect normal, healthy cells in the body that undergo rapid division, such as cells in the bone marrow, hair follicles, and gastrointestinal lining. This is why chemotherapy can be associated with side effects like bone marrow suppression, hair loss, and gastrointestinal disturbances. While the molecular structure of DNA can be altered by certain chemotherapeutic drugs, this explanation is not comprehensive enough to encompass the overall mechanism of action of chemotherapy.
The statement that "cancer cells are susceptible to drug toxins" is partially true, as cancer cells are generally more vulnerable to the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapy drugs compared to normal cells.
Chemotherapy aims to disrupt the division and growth of cancer cells rather than promoting their division.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E","F"]
Explanation
The normal physiological changes of aging that the nurse can expect in an older adult during a musculoskeletal assessment include:
● Widened Gait: With age, there can be a natural widening of the gait due to changes in balance and stability.
● Kyphosis: Kyphosis refers to an increased curvature of the thoracic spine, commonly known as a "hunchback" appearance, which can occur due to changes in the vertebral bones and intervertebral discs.
● Slowed movement: Older adults may experience a natural decline in their movement speed due to changes in muscle strength, coordination, and reaction time. ● Muscle atrophy: Age-related muscle atrophy, or loss of muscle mass, can occur, particularly if the older adult leads a sedentary lifestyle or has other underlying health conditions.
● Decreased joint ROM (Range of Motion): Older adults may experience a gradual decrease in joint flexibility and range of motion due to changes in the joints, ligaments, and surrounding tissues. This can affect their ability to move joints fully.
It's important to note that while some older adults may develop arthritis, it is not considered a normal physiological change of aging. Arthritis refers to the inflammation and degeneration of joints, which can occur due to various factors, including age, genetics, and lifestyle.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E","F","G","H","J"]
Explanation
● Weight 98 lbs: This information helps determine the patient's baseline weight and assess for potential weight loss associated with dehydration.
● Dehydrated: The diagnosis of dehydration indicates a critical condition that requires immediate attention and intervention.
● Lethargy: Lethargy suggests a decreased level of consciousness and could indicate a severe state of dehydration or other underlying issues that need to be addressed promptly.
● HR 122: A heart rate of 122 beats per minute is elevated and may indicate compensatory mechanisms in response to dehydration or other underlying conditions. It requires further evaluation and intervention.
● Shortness of Breath: This symptom suggests respiratory distress and may be related to the patient's dehydration or underlying conditions. It requires immediate assessment and intervention.
● Temperature 100: An elevated temperature may indicate an underlying infection or inflammatory response. It requires further evaluation to determine the cause and guide appropriate treatment.
● Thirsty: The patient's report of feeling thirsty is an important symptom indicating dehydration and the need for fluid replacement.
● BP 90/50: A blood pressure of 90/50 is low and may be indicative of hypotension, which can occur in dehydration. It requires close monitoring and intervention to stabilize the patient's blood pressure.
The following items are not immediate concerns based on the given information: ● Admitted to the ER: While it is important information, it is not a current concern as the patient is already in the ER.
● Female: The patient's gender is not an immediate concern for the assessment and management of dehydration.
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