FUNDAMENTALS OF CHEMOTHERAPY IMMUNOTHERAPY
ADMINISTRATION| WITH COMPLETE SOLUTIONS (2026).
Hematologic cancer (blood cancer)- ANSWER: cancer that begins in bone marrow or
immune system cells.
-Ex: leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma
Leukemia - answercancer starts in blood-forming tissues like bone marrow
-causes lots of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter bloodstream
Lymphoma - ANSWER: cancer that begins in immune system (WBC=lymphocytes)
-hodgkin and non-hodgkins
-B lymphocytes (B cells) - make antibodies (bacteria and viruses, most common
lymphoma
-T lymphocytes (T cells) - boost/slow immune, destroy germs and abnormal cells
Hodgkin lymphoma - answerReed-Sternberg cell (cancer cells in classic)
-typically starts in B cells
,Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma - ANSWER: large, diverse group of cancers in immune
system cells
-indolent (slow growing) or aggressive (fast)
Myeloma - answerCancer in plasma cells (WBC that produce antibodies)
Chemotherapy - answerAll antineoplastic agents used to treat cancer, given
through oral and parenteral routes or other routes as specified in the standard, not
including hormonal therapies.
Who can order chemotherapy? - answerWritten and signed by licensed independent
practitioners (MD/DO, PA, Oncology NP)
Can you use verbal orders for chemotherapy? - answerNO! Only when
holding/stopping admin.
Who can mix Chemotherapy? - answerPharmacist, Pharmacy tech, MD/DO, qualified
RN
, Who can administer chemotherapy? - answerRegistered Nurses with specialized
education, prep and training. See specific state laws and statutes
How often is chemo competency reassessed> - answerAnnual continuing ed and
competency assessment is recommended
What is the dose verification process? - ANSWER: confirm plan with patient
-two practitioners verify: drug name, dose, volume, rate, route, expiration date,
appearance
-document verification in chart
What PPE is required for IV Chemotherapy? - ANSWER: Gloves: two pairs, HD tested
-Gown: disposable, back closed, long sleeved
-Respirator: NIOSH approved
-Eye & Face: face shield/mask
Neoadjuvant therapy (tumor burden) - answerChemo BEFORE primary treatment
(common in breast and colon)
Adjuvant therapy - answerChemo AFTER primary treatment (common in solid tumor)
ADMINISTRATION| WITH COMPLETE SOLUTIONS (2026).
Hematologic cancer (blood cancer)- ANSWER: cancer that begins in bone marrow or
immune system cells.
-Ex: leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma
Leukemia - answercancer starts in blood-forming tissues like bone marrow
-causes lots of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter bloodstream
Lymphoma - ANSWER: cancer that begins in immune system (WBC=lymphocytes)
-hodgkin and non-hodgkins
-B lymphocytes (B cells) - make antibodies (bacteria and viruses, most common
lymphoma
-T lymphocytes (T cells) - boost/slow immune, destroy germs and abnormal cells
Hodgkin lymphoma - answerReed-Sternberg cell (cancer cells in classic)
-typically starts in B cells
,Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma - ANSWER: large, diverse group of cancers in immune
system cells
-indolent (slow growing) or aggressive (fast)
Myeloma - answerCancer in plasma cells (WBC that produce antibodies)
Chemotherapy - answerAll antineoplastic agents used to treat cancer, given
through oral and parenteral routes or other routes as specified in the standard, not
including hormonal therapies.
Who can order chemotherapy? - answerWritten and signed by licensed independent
practitioners (MD/DO, PA, Oncology NP)
Can you use verbal orders for chemotherapy? - answerNO! Only when
holding/stopping admin.
Who can mix Chemotherapy? - answerPharmacist, Pharmacy tech, MD/DO, qualified
RN
, Who can administer chemotherapy? - answerRegistered Nurses with specialized
education, prep and training. See specific state laws and statutes
How often is chemo competency reassessed> - answerAnnual continuing ed and
competency assessment is recommended
What is the dose verification process? - ANSWER: confirm plan with patient
-two practitioners verify: drug name, dose, volume, rate, route, expiration date,
appearance
-document verification in chart
What PPE is required for IV Chemotherapy? - ANSWER: Gloves: two pairs, HD tested
-Gown: disposable, back closed, long sleeved
-Respirator: NIOSH approved
-Eye & Face: face shield/mask
Neoadjuvant therapy (tumor burden) - answerChemo BEFORE primary treatment
(common in breast and colon)
Adjuvant therapy - answerChemo AFTER primary treatment (common in solid tumor)
