The nurse is administering an intravenous chemotherapeutic agent ...

[segrsyd]

The nurse is administering an intravenous chemotherapeutic agent to a child with leukemia. The child suddenly begins to wheeze and have severe urticaria. Which is the most appropriate nursing action?
 
  a. Stop drug infusion immediately.
  b. Recheck rate of drug infusion.
  c. Observe child closely for next 10 minutes.
  d. Explain to child that this is an expected side effect.

Question 2

Children receiving long-term systemic corticosteroid therapy are most at risk for:
 
  a. Hypotension.
  b. Dilation of blood vessels in the cheeks.
  c. Growth delays.
  d. Decreased appetite and weight loss.

[softEldritch]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
If an allergic reaction is suspected, the drug should be immediately discontinued. Any drug in the line should be withdrawn, and a normal saline infusion begun to keep the line open. Rechecking the rate of drug infusion, observing the child closely for next 10 minutes, and explaining to the child that this is an expected side effect can all be done after the drug infusion is stopped and the child is evaluated.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Growth delay is associated with long-term steroid use. Hypertension is a clinical manifestation of long-term systemic steroid administration. Dilation of blood vessels in the cheeks is associated with an excess of topically administered steroids. Increased appetite and weight gain are clinical manifestations of excess systemic corticosteroid therapy.