Question

The oncology nurse is preparing to administer the initial dose of vincristine to a child diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia. Which interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care? Select all that apply.

Apply pressure to the injection site if extravasation occurs
Select the appropriate catheter for intrathecal administration
Monitor for numbness or tingling in the fingers and toes Correct Answer (Blank)
Monitor liver function tests regularly Correct Answer (Blank)
Verify blood return before, during, and after intravenous administration Correct Answer (Blank)

Answer 1

The nurse should monitor for peripheral neuropathy, perform liver function tests regularly, and verify blood return to prevent extravasation when administering vincristine for acute lymphocytic leukemia.

Step-by-step explanation:

When preparing to administer the initial dose of vincristine to a child with acute lymphocytic leukemia, an oncology nurse should include several key interventions in the plan of care. These include:

• Monitoring for numbness or tingling in the fingers and toes, as vincristine can cause peripheral neuropathy.
• Monitoring liver function tests regularly, since vincristine can have hepatotoxic effects.
• Verifying blood return before, during, and after intravenous administration to ensure the catheter remains in the vein and to prevent extravasation.

Applying pressure to the injection site if extravasation occurs is a crucial intervention to prevent further tissue damage. However, the appropriate catheter for intrathecal administration is not relevant in this context since vincristine is administered intravenously and not into the spinal canal.