Pharmacology
Pharmacology
Pharmacology
COLLEGE OF NURSING
Dumaguete City
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
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.