Question

a patient with lung cancer has been treated with an anitcancer drug that has a high prospensity to cause myelosuppresion. what nursing interventions would be helpful to this patient?

Answer 1

Anti cancer drugs also known as chemotherapeutic agents inhibits cancer cell division which may lead to cell death by apoptosis. The most common side effects of chemo drugs includes myelosuppression ( bone marrow activity is decreased resulting in production of blood cell counts.

Nursing interventions focused on:

- Anemia secondary to chemo drugs is more common side effects Assist patient to conserve energy.Oxygen administration as ordered to meet oxygen demands. Obtain order if hemoglobin declines below 7-8 g/dl.

- Thrombocytopenia is reduction of platelet count below 100000 ml of blood.Monitor for signs of purple spots,Malena, hematemesis ,heavy menstrual bleeding. Avoid aspirin and NSAID , Intramuscular injections, avoid rectal temperatures, ensure usage of soft bristles notify sign of bleeding.

-Neutropenia abnormal decrease in White blood cells increases the risk of infection. Nurses must follow hand hygiene between patients, monitor signs of infections, maintain patient hygiene,avoid patient to expose with people with infections,restrict visitors.

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