Chronic Illness Questions Related

Review Chronic Illness Questions related questions and content

While a patient is receiving IV doxorubicin hydrochloride for the treatment of cancer, the nurse observes swelling and pain at the IV site. The nurse should prioritize what action?

  • A. Stopping the administration of the drug immediately
  • B. Notifying the patient's physician
  • C. Continuing the infusion but decreasing the rate
  • D. Applying a warm compress to the infusion site
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Doxorubicin's a vesicant swelling and pain scream extravasation, where it leaks into tissue, risking severe necrosis. Stopping the IV stat is priority to limit damage; delaying could worsen injury. Notifying the physician follows, but action comes first. Slowing the infusion keeps pumping toxin into the site disastrous. Warm compresses might spread the drug, unlike ice, which can help post-stoppage per protocol. Nurses must act fast, knowing vesicants like doxorubicin (an anthracycline) demand immediate cessation and often antidotes (e.g., dexrazoxane), critical in oncology to prevent permanent harm from chemo mishaps.