Question

A client is receiving chemotherapy through a peripheral IV line. What action by the nurse is most important?

a. Assessing the IV site and blood return every hour
b. Educating the client on side effects
c. Monitoring the client for nausea

Answer 1

The most important action for a nurse administering chemotherapy through a peripheral IV is to regularly assess the IV site and blood return to prevent tissue damage from extravasation.

Step-by-step explanation:

When administering chemotherapy through a peripheral IV line, the most important action for a nurse is assessing the IV site and blood return every hour. The cytotoxic nature of chemotherapy drugs means that they can cause severe local tissue damage if there is an extravasation, which is the accidental infiltration of chemotherapy into the tissue surrounding the vein. Regular assessment helps to ensure that the IV remains in the correct position and is functioning properly.

While educating the client on potential side effects and monitoring for nausea are also important, they are part of ongoing patient care and education rather than immediate safety concerns associated with the IV administration of chemotherapy.