The nurse is caring for a client who is receiving prescribed doxorubicin for cancer treatment.
Which of the following assessment findings would warrant immediate follow-up?
The nurse is caring for a client who is receiving prescribed doxorubicin for cancer treatment.
Which of the following assessment findings would warrant immediate follow-up?
A. anorexia
[7%]
B. fever
[74%]
C. alopecia
[7%]
D. malaise
[11%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Pharmacology
Lesson
Hematological/Oncological
Client Need
Test Plan
Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
Related Topic
Adverse Effects/Contraindications/Side Effects/Interactions
Item Type
Item Type
Analysis
Explanation
Choice B is correct. Doxorubicin is an antineoplastic that may cause pancytopenia. Pancytopenia is when the client has low WBCs, RBCs, and platelets. The significant leukopenia caused by this medication makes the client quite susceptible to infection. A fever for a client receiving an antineoplastic is highly concerning because it could indicate infection.
Choice A is incorrect. A common side effect of antineoplastics, including doxorubicin, is anorexia. This may cause a client to sustain significant weight loss. This does not require immediate follow-up, as a fever is a sign that the client has an infection.
Choice C is incorrect. A common side effect of antineoplastics, including doxorubicin, is alopecia. This may negatively effect the client's self-esteem. This does not require immediate follow-up, as a fever is a sign that the client has an infection.
Choice D is incorrect. Malaise is a common side effect of doxorubicin. These are expected findings and are not life-threatening compared to a fever, which may be a warning sign of a systemic bacterial, viral, or fungal infection.
Additional Info
Doxorubicin may be indicated for various cancers, such as breast, ovarian, and bladder cancer. Like most antineoplastics, this medication is a vesicant and should be administered through a central line to avoid extravasation. This antineoplastic is highly cardiotoxic, so initiating cardiac monitoring during the infusion is strongly recommended.
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