Chemotherapy Adverse Effects (original) (raw)

Adverse effects may be experienced at any point in the patient's treatment and adverse effects are dependent on many factors related to " type and route of chemotherapy and biotherapy drugs and their administration, and the patient's overall status " (de Souza, 2014, Section 14, Module 1, p.10). The purpose of this assignment is to demonstrate the writers newly acquired knowledge and its application to a scenario (see Appendix " A ") to effectively assess, manage and treat adverse events during the administration of chemotherapy and biotherapy agents. The patient is currently on cycle 2 of his chemotherapy regimen of chemotherapy medications includes Cisplatin (see Appendix " B ") and Vinorelbine (see Appendix " C "). The goal of the regime of chemotherapy medications and concurrent radiation for cycle 3 and 4 is to cure his Stage 3 aggressive, locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer. An inter-professional health care team of physicians, nurses, dieticians, therapists and social workers will work collaboratively during the administration of cancer treatments to promptly and continually manage side-effects to assure adherence to the regimen and quality of life (de Souza, Section 14, Module 1, 2014, p. 13). The role of the nurse is to " conduct timely and comprehensive assessments of health and supportive care needs of the individual with cancer and their families across the cancer continuum using a systematic approach " (CCO, 2008). A focused assessment on day 8, conducted by the nurse, is relevant to the patient's current chemotherapy treatment experience and reveals symptoms of vomiting, constipation, decreased sexual desire, paresthesia and fatigue.