Chemotherapy Biotherapy Certification ONS Practice Testq

Which factor does NOT influence the amount of chemotherapy administered?

1. Body surface area

2. Body weight

3. Food intake

4. Type of cancer

The correct answer is: Food intake

The correct answer is based on the understanding that while body surface area, body weight, and type of cancer are all critical factors in determining the appropriate dose of chemotherapy, food intake does not typically influence the amount of chemotherapy administered. Body surface area is often used in clinical practice as it provides a standardized method for calculating drug dosages based on an individual's physical dimensions, ensuring that patients receive an adequate therapeutic dose that is effective while minimizing toxicity. Body weight is similarly relevant because it can guide the dosing for many medications, particularly those with a narrow therapeutic index. The type of cancer is also crucial as different cancers may respond to varying dosages of chemotherapy agents, and some drugs may be specifically dosed based on the biology of the cancer. In contrast, food intake does not have a direct effect on the actual dosing calculations for chemotherapy. While it is important for patient health and can influence certain aspects of treatment (such as the patient’s ability to tolerate side effects), it does not alter the chemotherapeutic dosing guidelines. Therefore, food intake does not play a role in determining the dose of chemotherapy administered to a patient.