With doxorubicin admistration it is essential that the nurse closely monitor for patients?
Signs and symptoms of cardiotoxicity.
Doxorubicin is an anthracycline antibiotic that is used to treat a variety of cancers. It is a highly effective drug, but it can also have significant side effects, including cardiotoxicity. Cardiotoxicity can range from mild to severe and can even be fatal.
The risk of cardiotoxicity is increased by:
* The cumulative dose of doxorubicin
* The patient's age
* The presence of other risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, and coronary artery disease.
To monitor for signs and symptoms of cardiotoxicity, the nurse should:
* Assess the patient's vital signs, including blood pressure and heart rate, before and after each dose of doxorubicin.
* Listen to the patient's heart for any abnormal sounds, such as gallops or murmurs.
* Ask the patient about any symptoms of heart failure, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, or swelling in the feet.
If the nurse detects any signs or symptoms of cardiotoxicity, they should notify the healthcare provider immediately.
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