Final answer:
The nurse's priority when caring for a patient receiving bleomycin IV for lymphoma treatment is to monitor for signs of pulmonary toxicity, such as difficulty breathing, new cough, chest pain, and changes in oxygen saturation levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
The priority assessment for a nurse caring for a patient receiving bleomycin IV to treat lymphoma is to monitor for signs of pulmonary toxicity. Bleomycin can cause lung damage, so the nurse should assess the patient's respiratory function by listening to lung sounds, inquiring about any difficulty breathing or a new cough, and observing for other symptoms such as dyspnea (shortness of breath) or chest pain. Additionally, pulse oximetry should be used to monitor oxygen saturation levels as part of the respiratory assessment. Early detection of pulmonary toxicity is crucial as it can lead to serious complications, including pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of the lung tissue).