Chemotherapy Nursing Course

Lesson 1 • Cancer Cell Biology Basics

Covers normal versus malignant cell characteristics, including uncontrolled proliferation and apoptosis resistance. Provides the cellular foundation for all subsequent chemotherapy mechanism content.

Lesson 2 • Cancer Classification and Staging

Explains histological classification, grading systems, and standardised staging frameworks. Enables nurses to interpret oncology reports and align care with disease severity.

Lesson 3 • Principles of Cancer Treatment Modalities

Surveys surgery, radiation, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy as treatment options. Contextualises chemotherapy's role within multimodal oncology care plans.

Lesson 1 • Chemotherapy Dosing Calculations

Teaches body surface area, weight-based, and AUC dosing methods used in oncology. Accurate dose calculation directly prevents under-treatment and life-threatening overdose.

Lesson 2 • Pharmacokinetics of Chemotherapy Agents

Covers absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion specific to antineoplastics. Explains how organ function affects drug clearance and informs dose modification decisions.

Lesson 3 • Major Drug Classes and Prototypical Agents

Profiles alkylating agents, antimetabolites, anthracyclines, taxanes, and targeted biologics. Provides a structured drug reference framework nurses apply during clinical preparation.

Lesson 4 • Mechanisms of Antineoplastic Action

Explains how each drug class disrupts cancer cell replication at the molecular level. Links mechanism knowledge directly to expected clinical effects and toxicity profiles.

Lesson 1 • Spill Management and Waste Disposal

Provides step-by-step spill containment procedures and regulatory waste segregation requirements. Protects staff, patients, and the environment from cytotoxic contamination.

Lesson 2 • Hazardous Drug Classification and Risk

Defines what constitutes a hazardous drug and explains routes of occupational exposure. Establishes the risk basis for all subsequent safe-handling protocols.

Lesson 3 • Closed-System Drug Transfer Devices

Explains the design, selection, and correct use of closed-system transfer devices during preparation and administration. Reduces aerosolisation and surface contamination at every transfer point.

Lesson 1 • Vascular Access Device Selection

Compares peripheral IV, PICC, tunneled catheter, and implanted port options against treatment requirements. Appropriate device selection minimises complications and supports treatment adherence.

Lesson 2 • Patency Assessment and Line Maintenance

Teaches blood return verification, flushing protocols, and dressing change procedures for all access devices. Consistent maintenance prevents occlusion, infection, and drug extravasation.

Lesson 3 • Chemotherapy Infusion Techniques

Covers IV push, short infusion, continuous infusion, and intraperitoneal delivery methods. Technique selection is driven by drug stability, vesicant risk, and protocol specifications.

Lesson 1 • Hematologic Toxicities

Covers neutropenia, anaemia, and thrombocytopenia as the most common dose-limiting toxicities. Nurses learn nadir timing, threshold values, and evidence-based interventions for each condition.

Lesson 2 • Toxicity Grading and Reporting Systems

Introduces standardised toxicity grading scales used to classify adverse event severity. Consistent grading drives treatment modification decisions and supports accurate clinical documentation.

Lesson 3 • Organ-Specific Toxicities

Examines cardiotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, pulmonary toxicity, and neurotoxicity by causative agent. Organ-specific monitoring parameters guide early detection and dose adjustment.

Lesson 4 • Hypersensitivity and Infusion Reactions

Distinguishes hypersensitivity reactions from cytokine release syndrome and anaphylaxis by clinical presentation. Nurses apply graded response protocols to manage reactions safely and resume therapy when appropriate.

Lesson 1 • Site Assessment During Infusion

Establishes the frequency and criteria for monitoring IV sites throughout vesicant infusions. Continuous vigilance is the primary strategy for catching extravasation before tissue damage occurs.

Lesson 2 • Antidotes and Pharmacological Interventions

Details specific antidotes such as dexrazoxane and hyaluronidase matched to causative agents. Correct antidote selection and timing are critical to minimising long-term tissue damage.

Lesson 3 • Immediate Extravasation Response

Provides the sequential steps taken when extravasation is confirmed, including stopping infusion and aspirating residual drug. Rapid, structured response limits the extent of tissue necrosis.

Lesson 4 • Follow-Up Care and Documentation

Outlines wound monitoring, surgical referral criteria, and incident reporting after an extravasation event. Thorough documentation supports quality improvement and medicolegal accountability.

Lesson 1 • Nutritional Support During Chemotherapy

Identifies malnutrition risk, guides dietary modification, and coordinates enteral or parenteral nutrition when needed. Nutritional status directly affects treatment tolerance and immune function.

Lesson 2 • Psychosocial and Emotional Support

Screens for anxiety, depression, and distress using validated tools and initiates appropriate referrals. Addressing psychological needs improves coping, adherence, and overall treatment outcomes.

Lesson 3 • Pain Assessment and Management

Applies validated pain scales and the analgesic ladder to cancer-related and treatment-induced pain. Effective pain control is foundational to patient function and treatment adherence.

Lesson 4 • Fatigue and Sleep Disturbance Management

Addresses cancer-related fatigue as the most prevalent and distressing treatment side effect. Evidence-based interventions include activity pacing, exercise prescription, and sleep hygiene protocols.

Lesson 1 • Health Literacy and Communication Principles

Assesses patient health literacy and adapts teaching methods to individual learning needs. Communication tailored to literacy level is the prerequisite for all effective patient education.

Lesson 2 • Oral Chemotherapy Adherence Education

Addresses the unique adherence challenges of self-administered oral antineoplastic agents at home. Structured education and monitoring systems prevent both missed doses and accidental overdose.

Lesson 3 • Infection Prevention and Self-Care Education

Instructs patients on neutropenia precautions, hygiene practices, and fever response protocols. Self-care education reduces infection-related hospitalisations during immunosuppressive treatment.

Lesson 4 • Treatment Regimen Education

Teaches patients the purpose, schedule, and expected effects of their specific chemotherapy regimen. Informed patients are better prepared to manage side effects and maintain adherence.