Chapter 47, Problem 1CTPQ

Summary Introduction

To describe:

The patient who is taking an alkylating chemotherapeutic drug has to take filgrastim (Neupogen), a colony-stimulating factor. A new nurse is preparing to administer the filgrastim therapy as soon as the chemotherapeutic drug therapy is completed. The charge nurse reviews the order. What is the priority action of the charge nurse at this time?

Concept introduction:

Cancer cells are characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal cells, invasion, metastasis, and antiapoptosis. Chemotherapeutic drugs are generally used to prevent or suppress the growth of cancer. Bone marrow suppression is one of the severe adverse effects of chemotherapy. Anticancer drugs destroy rapidly dividing cells (cancer cells), including white blood cells (WBCs), red blood cells (RBCs), and platelets in the bone marrow. Thus, in turn, results in leukopenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. Other major adverse effects of chemotherapy are immune suppression, gastrointestinal distress, cardiovascular toxicities, fatigue, anemia, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and stomatitis.