Oncology IQ
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A patient with advanced multiple myeloma is exhibiting ployuria, dehydration, and mental status changes. The nurse also notes recent changes to the patient's electrocardiogram. Which class of medication does the nurse anticipate administering?
a. Kinase inhibitors
b. Opioids
c. Bisphosphonates
d. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents
Answer
c. Bisphosphonates
Rationale:
The symptoms and EKG changes are indicative of hypercalcemia of malignancy which commonly occurs in advanced cancers such as multiple myeloma. Bisphosphonates are standard of care for treating hypercalcemia by inhibiting the action of osteoclasts, therefore slowing down the calcium stored in the bone from being released into the bloodstream.
Reference:
Brown, C.G. (Ed.). (2015). A guide to oncology symptom management (2nd ed.). Oncology Nursing Society, pp. 323-328.