Foundation University 

  
COLLEGE OF NURSING
Dumaguete City

NUR104B-Pharmacology 2 / Midterm Worksheet #1

Cameon, Chariza Mae E.

1. Compare the mechanism of action of targeted therapies for cancer with those of
standard chemotherapy drugs.
- Targeted therapies for cancer are drugs that target specific molecules or pathways involved in
the growth and spread of cancer cells. In contrast, standard chemotherapy drugs are non-
specific and target rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells but also healthy cells in the body.
Standard chemotherapy drugs work by interfering with the cell cycle and causing damage to
DNA or other cellular structures. This leads to cell death, which affects both cancer cells and
healthy cells in the body. Chemotherapy drugs are typically given systemically, meaning they
circulate throughout the body and can affect cells in all organs. In contrast, targeted therapies
can be more specific to cancer cells and may have fewer side effects on healthy cells. Overall,
targeted therapies have the potential to be more effective and less toxic than standard
chemotherapy drugs, but their use is often limited by the specific molecular characteristics of
the cancer and the development of resistance to the targeted drug.

2. Distinguish among the different types of targeted therapies for cancer treatment with
regard to indications, possible side effect and adverse effects, route of administration,
and nursing responsibilities.
1. Monoclonal antibodies:
Indications: Used to target specific proteins or receptors on cancer cells to inhibit their growth.
Side effects and adverse effects: May cause infusion reactions, such as fever, chills, and low
blood pressure, as well as allergic reactions. May also increase the risk of infection or bleeding.
Route of administration: Administered intravenously.
Nursing responsibilities: Monitor for signs of infusion reactions or allergic reactions. Assess for
signs of infection or bleeding.
2. Small molecule inhibitors:
Indications: Used to target specific enzymes or signaling pathways that are overactive in cancer
cells.
Side effects and adverse effects: May cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash, or fatigue.
May also increase the risk of infection or bleeding. Some small molecule inhibitors may also
have cardiovascular or pulmonary toxicities.
Route of administration: Administered orally.
Nursing responsibilities: Monitor for side effects and adverse effects. Assess for signs of
infection or bleeding. Monitor cardiovascular or pulmonary function if necessary.
3. Incorporate the nursing process related to the needs of patients receiving targeted
therapies for cancer.
-Here is how the nursing process can be incorporated into the care of patients receiving
targeted therapies for cancer:
Assessment: This step involves gathering information about the patient's current health status,
medical history, and other factors that may affect their response to treatment. Nurses should
assess for the following:
 Cancer diagnosis and stage
 Previous cancer treatments
 Concurrent medical conditions
 Allergies or sensitivities to medications
 Baseline vital signs and laboratory values
 Signs and symptoms of potential side effects or adverse effects
Diagnosis: Based on the assessment findings, nurses can make nursing diagnoses that reflect
the patient's actual or potential health problems. Examples of nursing diagnoses for patients
receiving targeted therapies for cancer include:
 Risk for infection related to immunosuppression
 Risk for bleeding related to thrombocytopenia
 Risk for fluid and electrolyte imbalance related to nausea and vomiting
Planning: The planning phase involves developing a plan of care that addresses the patient's
nursing diagnoses and incorporates their goals and preferences. The plan of care should include
the following:
 Specific interventions to prevent or manage side effects or adverse effects of targeted
therapies
 Education and support for the patient and their family
 Monitoring of vital signs, laboratory values, and symptoms
 Coordination with other members of the healthcare team, such as oncologists and
pharmacists
Implementation: This step involves carrying out the interventions identified in the plan of care.
Examples of interventions for patients receiving targeted therapies for cancer include:
 Administering medications as ordered, including pre-medications to prevent infusion
reactions or other side effects
 Providing education about the expected side effects and adverse effects of treatment and
strategies for managing them
 Encouraging the patient to maintain adequate hydration and nutrition
 Monitoring for signs and symptoms of infection, bleeding, or other complications
 Providing emotional support to the patient and their family
Evaluation: The final step in the nursing process involves assessing the patient's response to
treatment and the effectiveness of the nursing interventions. Nurses should evaluate the
following:
 Effectiveness of interventions in preventing or managing side effects or adverse effects
 Adherence to the treatment regimen
 Patient and family satisfaction with the care provided
 Progress towards achieving the patient's goals and preferences

4. Develop and evaluate a focused teaching plan for patient/family/caregivers about the
use and side effects of targeted therapy for cancer.
- Here is a focused teaching plan for patients/families/caregivers about the use and side effects
of targeted therapy for cancer:
Introduction Allotted Medication Resources Evaluation
Time Administration

 Introduce yourself 5 minutes  Discuss the  Provide  Ask the

and explain the specific information patient/family/careg
purpose of the medication about ivers to repeat back
teaching session regimen the additional important
patient will resources, information about
 Ask the 5 minutes
receive, such as : targeted therapy
patient/family/careg
including and side effects
ivers what they  support
dosing and
already know about groups  Assess for any
timing
targeted therapy for questions or
 financial
cancer  Explain any concerns they may
assistance
10 pre- have
 Explanation of programs
minutes medications
targeted therapy  Provide contact
that may be  educational
information for the
 Define targeted required to materials
healthcare team and
therapy and how it 15 prevent or about cancer
encourage them to
works to treat minutes manage side and targeted
reach out with any
cancer effects or therapy
questions or
adverse
 Describe the specific concerns
effects
targeted therapy the
patient will receive 20  Demonstrate
minutes the proper
 Discuss the goals of
technique for
treatment and what
self-
the patient can
administratio
expect during the
n or provide
course of therapy 20
information
minutes
 Side effects and about the
adverse effects process for
receiving
 Explain the common
medication in
side effects and
a clinical
adverse effects
setting
associated with the
targeted therapy  Follow-up
20
care
 Provide information minutes
about how to  Describe the
 manage these side follow-up
effects or adverse care required
effects after
20 treatment,
 Emphasize the
minutes including
importance of
regular
reporting any side
monitoring of
effects or adverse
symptoms
effects to the
and
healthcare team
laboratory
20 values
minutes
 Provide
information
about when
to contact the
healthcare
team for any
concerns or
questions
 Emphasize
the
importance
of attending
all scheduled
appointments

Evaluation of the teaching plan can be done through direct observation of the
patient/family/caregiver's understanding and ability to follow medication regimen, monitoring
for side effects and adverse effects, and asking for feedback during follow-up appointments. If
the patient experiences side effects or adverse effects, it may be necessary to modify the
teaching plan or provide additional support and resources.