In assessing adherence, which statement is true?

• A. The treatment plan is followed
• B. The patient-provider relationship is always symmetric
• C. Nonadherence will not impact outcomes
• D. Lack of adherence does not increase relapse risk

Answer: (A)

Adherence means following the prescribed treatment plan exactly as written—taking medications on schedule, at the correct doses, and attending all planned appointments and follow-up care. In chemotherapy, keeping the planned dose intensity and timing is essential to achieve the intended drug exposure and therapeutic effect. When the treatment plan is followed, patients are more likely to achieve the expected responses and minimize risks like relapse or progression. The other statements don’t fit: the patient-provider relationship isn’t required to be symmetric and isn’t the measure of adherence; nonadherence does impact outcomes by reducing treatment efficacy; and lack of adherence can indeed increase relapse risk.