Chemotherapy Fun Facts for Nurses

2. Educate patient regarding importance of reporting toxicity.
3. Drug is red and may turn urine red.
6. Monitor urine pH and maintain greater than 7.
8. Always give with Mesna.
9. Do not administer 14 days before treatment and not until 24 hours after chemo.
10. Leucovorin is often given concurrently to enhance drug activity.
14. With high dose treatment, watch for cerebellar toxicity.
16. Use a filter and glass bottles or non-PVC bags and tubing.
18. Neurotoxicity is cumulative, but often reversible. Conduct a neurological assessment before each dose.
19. Permanently discontinue if patient develops GI perforation, wound dehiscence, serious bleeding, nephritic syndrome or hypertensive crisis.
20. Give dose early in the day and ensure adequate hydration.

1. For 3-4 days after therapy, patients should avoid consuming cold drinks and foods as well as breathing cold air.
4. Monitor for TLS in high risk patients.
5. Neutropenia can be prolonged and severe.
7. Instruct patient on strict mouth care.
11. Monitor for rigors.
12. Drug is an irritant and light sensitive.
13. To avoid hypotension, do not give as an IV push.
15. Infusions lasting longer than 60 minutes or more frequently than once a week increase risk of pulmonary toxicity.
17. Pre and post hydration is necessary to prevent nephrotoxicity.