Pharmacology of Cancer: Comprehensive Learning Quizzes for Nursing Students

Question 1

Which of the following is a protective factor against cancer?

Accepted Answer

Regular exercise

Answer

Smoking

Answer

Obesity

Answer

Exposure to radiation

Question 2

Which of the following is a newer method of cancer treatment?

Accepted Answer

Immunotherapy

Answer

Chemotherapy

Answer

Radiotherapy

Answer

Surgery

Question 3

Which type of cancer originates in blood-forming tissue?

Accepted Answer

Leukemia

Answer

Carcinoma

Answer

Sarcoma

Answer

Glioma

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a typical mechanism of action for cancer drugs?

Accepted Answer

Reversing drug resistance

Answer

Interfering with cell division

Answer

Inducing apoptosis

Answer

Targeting specific molecules or pathways involved in cancer growth

Question 5

How do mitotic inhibitors work?

Accepted Answer

They prevent the formation and function of the mitotic spindle.

Answer

They block DNA synthesis during the S phase of the cell cycle.

Answer

They trigger apoptosis in cancer cells.

Answer

They inhibit RNA synthesis during the G2 phase of the cell cycle.

Question 6

Which type of cancer is most common among women in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society?

Accepted Answer

Breast cancer

Answer

Lung cancer

Answer

Colorectal cancer

Answer

Pancreatic cancer

Question 7

In cancer chemotherapy, which principle is of utmost importance?

Accepted Answer

Administering the lowest effective dose possible

Answer

Administering medications exclusively through oral ingestion

Answer

Limiting treatment to a single dose of medication

Answer

Avoiding monitoring the patient for adverse reactions

Question 8

Which of the following statements accurately describes a primary pharmacodynamic mechanism of action for antineoplastic drugs?

Accepted Answer

Inhibition of cell proliferation by interfering with DNA synthesis and cell division

Accepted Answer

Induction of apoptosis, a type of programmed cell death, in cancer cells

Answer

Stimulation of the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells

Answer

Selective destruction of cancer cells without affecting normal cells

Question 9

Which of the following is a practice to avoid when administering cancer chemotherapy drugs?

Accepted Answer

Aggressively escalating the dose until the patient experiences severe side effects

Answer

Individualizing therapy based on patient age and medical history

Answer

Regularly monitoring patient response and adjusting treatment accordingly

Question 10

In cancer treatment, targeted therapy drugs primarily utilize which mechanism of action?

Accepted Answer

Targeting specific molecules or pathways involved in cancer cell growth and survival

Answer

Inhibiting cell cycle progression

Answer

Interfering with DNA synthesis and repair

Question 11

When administering cancer chemotherapy drugs, which principle is paramount?

Accepted Answer

Closely monitoring patients for adverse effects and adjusting treatment as needed

Answer

Administering high drug doses for optimal efficacy

Question 12

Which of the following describes the main purpose of cancer chemotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Killing or inhibiting the growth of cancerous cells.

Answer

Promoting the growth and division of cancerous cells.

Answer

Curing all types of cancer.

Answer

Boosting the immune system to fight cancer.

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a mechanism of action of cytotoxic chemotherapy drugs?

Accepted Answer

Hormonal manipulation

Answer

DNA alkylation

Answer

Protein synthesis inhibition

Answer

Microtubule disruption

Question 14

Which of the following is a targeted therapy commonly used to treat breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

Trastuzumab

Answer

Cisplatin

Answer

Radiation therapy

Answer

Surgery

Question 15

Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of malignant cells. Which of the following is **NOT** a characteristic of cancer?

Accepted Answer

Normal cell division and growth

Answer

Abnormal proliferation and spread of malignant cells

Answer

Invasion and destruction of surrounding tissues

Answer

Origin in various organs and tissues of the body

Question 16

Which adverse effect is most commonly experienced by patients receiving chemotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Nausea and vomiting

Answer

Increased appetite

Answer

Weight gain

Answer

Enhanced immune function

Question 17

Unlike chemotherapy drugs, targeted therapy drugs selectively inhibit cancer cell growth and spread by specifically targeting:

Accepted Answer

Specific molecules or pathways involved in cancer cell growth and proliferation

Answer

DNA repair mechanisms

Answer

Cell cycle checkpoints

Question 18

Targeted therapy drugs stand apart from cytotoxic chemotherapy drugs because they:

Accepted Answer

Target specific molecules essential for cancer cell growth and proliferation.

Answer

Affect only rapidly dividing cells.

Answer

Cause severe side effects due to their broad-spectrum impact.

Question 19

In cancer chemotherapy administration, which principle is crucial to minimize adverse effects and optimize patient outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Utilizing supportive care measures to alleviate side effects and enhance patient well-being

Answer

Administering the lowest possible chemotherapy dose to minimize adverse effects

Answer

Administering chemotherapy drugs at regular intervals, regardless of the patient's status

Question 20

In cancer treatment, immunotherapy drugs are widely used. What is their primary mechanism of action?

Accepted Answer

Trigger the immune system to identify and eliminate cancer cells

Answer

Block DNA synthesis in cancer cells

Answer

Slow cancer cell growth by adjusting hormone levels

Question 21

When administering methotrexate for cancer treatment, which drug interaction poses a concern?

Accepted Answer

Co-administration with trimethoprim

Answer

Co-administration with aspirin

Answer

Co-administration with vincristine

Answer

Co-administration with doxorubicin

Question 22

Which of the following is an early warning sign or symptom that may indicate the presence of cancer and should prompt immediate medical evaluation?

Accepted Answer

A persistent cough, especially if accompanied by blood or changes in the appearance of sputum

Accepted Answer

Unexplained weight loss that is not attributed to changes in diet or exercise

Answer

Frequent headaches that persist for an extended period

Answer

Minor skin irritation, such as rashes or dry patches

Question 23

Which nursing intervention is the highest priority for a patient receiving chemotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Monitor vital signs and blood counts

Answer

Provide emotional support to family

Answer

Educate patient about side effects

Answer

Administer chemotherapy

Question 24

Which of the following best describes the mechanism of action of immunotherapy drugs used in cancer treatment?

Accepted Answer

Stimulating the activation and proliferation of cytotoxic T-cells and natural killer cells

Answer

Blocking the growth of cancer cells by interfering with their cell cycle

Answer

Preventing the production of hormones that promote cancer growth

Question 25

How do cytotoxic chemotherapy drugs primarily exert their effects on cancer cells?

Accepted Answer

By blocking DNA synthesis and hindering cell growth

Answer

By activating the immune system to combat cancer cells

Answer

By targeting specific proteins essential for cancer cell proliferation

Question 26

Which of the following is NOT a known risk factor for cancer development?

Accepted Answer

Regular exercise

Answer

Tobacco use (smoking and smokeless tobacco)

Answer

Obesity

Answer

Exposure to ionizing radiation

Question 27

What is the primary effect of cytotoxic chemotherapy drugs on cancer cells?

Accepted Answer

Inhibiting cell division

Answer

Boosting the immune response

Answer

Targeting specific cancer-causing mutations

Question 28

Which of the following definitions best describes cancer?

Accepted Answer

A disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth.

Answer

A disorder primarily affecting the immune system.

Answer

A condition exclusively caused by genetic mutations.

Answer

A uniformly fatal disease.

Question 29

Which of the following is a protective factor against cancer?

Accepted Answer

Regular exercise

Answer

Smoking

Answer

Obesity

Answer

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation

Question 30

Which of the following is a normal cell, not a type of cancer cell?

Accepted Answer

Normal cell

Answer

Carcinoma

Answer

Sarcoma

Answer

Leukemia

Question 31

In the pharmacokinetic analysis of cancer drugs, which parameter primarily determines the drug's half-life and, therefore, the length of its therapeutic effect?

Accepted Answer

Clearance

Answer

Volume of distribution

Answer

Protein binding

Answer

Bioavailability

Question 32

In the treatment of estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer, how does hormonal therapy primarily work to combat cancer?

Accepted Answer

Blocks the effects of estrogen on cancer cell growth.

Answer

Inhibits the formation of new blood vessels that nourish the tumor.

Answer

Directly destroys cancer cells.

Question 33

Which of the following is a well-known risk factor for developing cancer?

Accepted Answer

Smoking tobacco regularly

Answer

Maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet

Answer

Exercising regularly

Question 34

In cancer chemotherapy, which principle underscores the importance of customizing treatment to each patient's unique traits?

Accepted Answer

Tailoring chemotherapy regimens to the patient's tumor characteristics and overall health

Answer

Applying a uniform chemotherapy regimen to all patients

Answer

Aggressive dosing and extended treatment duration for optimal tumor elimination

Answer

Administering chemotherapy without considering the patient's overall health and tolerance

Question 35

In cancer chemotherapy, which class of drugs is primarily employed?

Accepted Answer

Alkylating agents

Answer

Antibiotics

Answer

Antifungals

Answer

Antivirals

Question 36

What is a defining characteristic of targeted therapy in cancer treatment?

Accepted Answer

Targets specific molecules or pathways involved in cancer growth

Answer

Effective only against solid tumors

Answer

Has no side effects

Answer

Must always be combined with chemotherapy

Question 37

Which principle is central to the development of innovative cancer treatments that improve patient outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Targeting specific molecular pathways and exploiting cancer cell vulnerabilities

Answer

Increasing the dosage and frequency of traditional chemotherapy drugs

Answer

Relying exclusively on immunotherapy to eliminate cancer cells

Answer

Prioritizing the development of drugs that prevent cancer recurrence over treating existing tumors

Question 38

What is the primary principle of immunotherapy in cancer treatment?

Accepted Answer

Stimulating the body's immune system to fight cancer cells

Answer

Using antibodies to directly target and destroy cancer cells

Answer

Applying radiation therapy to shrink tumors

Question 39

When educating a patient with advanced lung cancer and their family about the potential side effects of a combined chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatment regimen, which approach is most crucial?

Accepted Answer

Providing written materials and encouraging the patient and family to ask questions and express their concerns

Answer

Using medical jargon to ensure the patient and family fully understand the treatment details

Answer

Focusing solely on the physical side effects of treatment, as these are the most common

Question 40

Immunotherapy is a promising cancer treatment. How does it work, and what impact could it have on the future of oncology?

Accepted Answer

Immunotherapy empowers the body's immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer cells.

Answer

Immunotherapy uses radiation to destroy cancer cells.

Answer

Immunotherapy prevents cancer cell growth through targeted therapy.

Question 41

Palliative care is an essential aspect of cancer management. Explain its role in improving the quality of life for both patients and their families.

Accepted Answer

Palliative care can significantly enhance the quality of life for patients and their families by managing symptoms, providing support, and fostering communication.

Answer

Palliative care is solely focused on end-of-life care for cancer patients.

Answer

Palliative care primarily addresses physical symptoms, neglecting psychological and emotional well-being.

Answer

Palliative care is only necessary for patients with advanced or terminal cancer.

Question 42

How do biomarkers contribute to personalized cancer treatment? Provide specific examples of biomarkers used in different cancer types.

Accepted Answer

Biomarkers guide treatment by predicting response and enabling targeted therapies.

Answer

Biomarkers are only used for cancer diagnosis and do not affect treatment.

Answer

All cancer patients should receive the same treatment, regardless of biomarkers.

Answer

Biomarkers are not reliable indicators of treatment effectiveness.

Question 43

In clinical trials for new cancer drugs, researchers face a key ethical challenge. What is it?

Accepted Answer

Weighing the potential benefits and risks to participants

Answer

Getting informed consent from participants

Answer

Using a placebo-controlled trial design

Answer

Protecting the privacy of participants

Question 44

What is cumulative toxicity in cancer chemotherapy, and how does it impact treatment planning and patient monitoring?

Accepted Answer

Repeated chemotherapy treatments gradually accumulate damage, increasing the risk of long-term side effects.

Answer

Cumulative toxicity only occurs when chemotherapy drugs are given together.

Answer

Cumulative toxicity does not affect treatment planning or patient monitoring.

Answer

Cumulative toxicity only occurs in patients receiving high doses of chemotherapy.

Question 45

Which classification of drugs enhances the effects of radiation therapy by increasing the sensitivity of cancer cells to radiation?

Accepted Answer

Radiation sensitizers

Answer

Alkylating agents

Answer

Antimetabolites

Answer

Topoisomerase inhibitors

Question 46

In chemotherapy, which drug category primarily inhibits DNA replication by interfering with nucleotide synthesis?

Accepted Answer

Methotrexate

Answer

Cisplatin

Answer

Docetaxel

Answer

Fluorouracil

Question 47

In cancer treatment, the primary goal of a bone marrow transplant is to:

Accepted Answer

Replace damaged bone marrow

Answer

Destroy cancerous cells

Answer

Boost the immune system

Answer

Reduce the risk of infection

Question 48

Which of the following drugs is specifically designed as a targeted therapy for the treatment of breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

Trastuzumab

Answer

Docetaxel

Answer

Cisplatin

Answer

Fluorouracil

Question 49

What is the primary molecular target of alkylating agents in cancer chemotherapy?

Accepted Answer

DNA

Answer

RNA

Answer

Proteins

Answer

Lipids

Question 50

Capecitabine, a fluoropyrimidine chemotherapy drug, is metabolized to which active metabolite?

Accepted Answer

5-Fluorouracil

Answer

Methotrexate

Answer

Cisplatin

Answer

Paclitaxel

Question 51

What is the fundamental mechanism by which radiation therapy exerts its antitumor effects?

Accepted Answer

DNA damage

Answer

Cell cycle inhibition

Answer

Angiogenesis inhibition

Answer

Hormone modulation

Question 52

Which of the following targeted therapies is specifically indicated for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia?

Accepted Answer

Imatinib

Answer

Trastuzumab

Answer

Bevacizumab

Answer

Cetuximab

Question 53

Myelosuppression, a common adverse effect of cancer treatment, is primarily associated with which therapeutic modality?

Accepted Answer

Chemotherapy

Answer

Radiation therapy

Answer

Targeted therapy

Answer

Hormone therapy

Question 54

In nursing practice, which intervention is most effective in managing nausea and vomiting induced by chemotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Administering antiemetics

Answer

Providing a quiet environment

Answer

Encouraging deep breathing exercises

Answer

Offering ginger tea

Question 55

How does immunotherapy primarily function in cancer treatment?

Accepted Answer

Stimulating the body's immune response to target cancer cells

Answer

Killing cancer cells directly

Answer

Preventing metastasis

Answer

Reducing tumor growth

Question 56

Which drug is specifically used to treat multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer?

Accepted Answer

Bortezomib

Answer

Tamoxifen

Answer

Methotrexate

Answer

Doxorubicin

Question 57

What is the primary rationale for administering adjuvant chemotherapy?

Accepted Answer

To eliminate microscopic cancer cells that may remain after surgery

Answer

To alleviate symptoms of advanced cancer

Answer

To shrink tumors before surgery

Answer

To cure early-stage cancer

Question 58

Which of the following factors is a contraindication for radiation therapy?

Accepted Answer

Pregnancy

Answer

Prior history of cancer

Answer

Good overall health

Answer

Advanced age

Question 59

Evaluate the challenges and opportunities in developing effective cancer vaccines. Discuss the diverse strategies being explored to enhance their efficacy.

Accepted Answer

Personalized cancer vaccines tailored to individual tumor profiles hold promise.

Answer

Cancer vaccines are not viable due to the high mutation rate and heterogeneity of cancer cells.

Answer

Cancer vaccine development focuses solely on prevention, not treatment.

Answer

Cancer vaccines are not currently undergoing clinical trials due to safety concerns.

Question 60

Discuss the ethical considerations and challenges associated with using gene editing technologies like CRISPR-Cas9 in cancer research and treatment.

Accepted Answer

Ethical considerations include respecting patient autonomy, potential misuse, and unforeseen consequences.

Answer

CRISPR-Cas9 technology is a highly accurate and risk-free tool with no ethical implications.

Answer

Gene editing technologies are only used in research and have no current applications in cancer treatment.

Answer

Ethical considerations regarding gene editing technologies are irrelevant to nurses.

Question 61

How do biomarkers aid in tailoring cancer treatment to individual patients?

Accepted Answer

Biomarkers guide treatment choices by identifying molecular targets and predicting drug effectiveness.

Answer

Biomarkers prevent cancer from developing.

Answer

Biomarkers have no relevance to cancer treatment.

Answer

Biomarkers alone can cure cancer.

Question 62

Which of the following is a targeted therapy used to treat chronic myeloid leukemia?

Accepted Answer

Imatinib

Answer

Doxorubicin

Answer

Tamoxifen

Answer

Cisplatin

Question 63

What is the major difference between external and internal radiation therapy?

Accepted Answer

Beam source location

Answer

Radiation type

Answer

Dosage

Answer

Treatment planning

Question 64

Which of the following is a common side effect of radiation therapy to the head and neck?

Accepted Answer

Mucositis

Answer

Alopecia

Answer

Thrombocytopenia

Answer

Hepatotoxicity