Cytotoxic Chemotherapy Drugs
Cytotoxic Chemotherapy Drugs ( 5 Questions)
A nurse is educating a client who has breast cancer and is receiving paclitaxel, a natural product, as part of chemotherapy. The nurse should instruct the client to report which of the following manifestations that indicate peripheral neuropathy?
Hearing loss is not a common side effect of paclitaxel, a natural product that interferes with the growth of cancer cells. Hearing loss may be caused by other factors, such as aging, exposure to loud noises, or ear infections.
Chest pain and shortness of breath are not signs of peripheral neuropathy, but may indicate cardiac or pulmonary problems. Paclitaxel can cause hypersensitivity reactions, such as flushing, rash, and dyspnea, but these usually occur during or shortly after the infusion.
Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet are symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, which is a common adverse effect of paclitaxel. Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that affects the nerves that carry messages to and from the brain and spinal cord. Paclitaxel can damage these nerves and cause sensory changes, such as numbness, tingling, burning, or pain. The client should report these symptoms to the provider, as they may require dose adjustment or discontinuation of the drug.
Redness and swelling at the infusion site are not signs of peripheral neuropathy, but may indicate phlebitis or infiltration. Phlebitis is inflammation of the vein, which can cause pain, warmth, and redness along the vein. Infiltration is leakage of the drug into the surrounding tissue, which can cause swelling, pain, and skin damage. The nurse should monitor the infusion site for these complications and stop the infusion if they occur.
Choice A reason: Hearing loss is not a common side effect of paclitaxel, a natural product that interferes with the growth of cancer cells. Hearing loss may be caused by other factors, such as aging, exposure to loud noises, or ear infections.
Choice B reason: Chest pain and shortness of breath are not signs of peripheral neuropathy, but may indicate cardiac or pulmonary problems. Paclitaxel can cause hypersensitivity reactions, such as flushing, rash, and dyspnea, but these usually occur during or shortly after the infusion.
Choice C reason: Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet are symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, which is a common adverse effect of paclitaxel. Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that affects the nerves that carry messages to and from the brain and spinal cord. Paclitaxel can damage these nerves and cause sensory changes, such as numbness, tingling, burning, or pain. The client should report these symptoms to the provider, as they may require dose adjustment or discontinuation of the drug.
Choice D reason: Redness and swelling at the infusion site are not signs of peripheral neuropathy, but may indicate phlebitis or infiltration. Phlebitis is inflammation of the vein, which can cause pain, warmth, and redness along the vein. Infiltration is leakage of the drug into the surrounding tissue, which can cause swelling, pain, and skin damage. The nurse should monitor the infusion site for these complications and stop the infusion if they occur.