Question

A 32-year-old female with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2-positive) metastatic breast cancer is scheduled to begin therapy with pertuzumab. What information is important for the nurse to reinforce and discuss with the client? Select all that apply.

Use contraception during and for 6 months following the use of this drug.

Take the medication at the same time every day on an empty stomach.

Other therapies for cancer treatment are no longer needed.

Report shortness of breath, lightheadedness, dizziness, cough or swelling of the feet.

Report chills, fatigue, or headache during treatment

Answer 1

Important information to reinforce to a patient starting pertuzumab includes using contraception to prevent pregnancy during treatment and for 6 months after, and reporting any side effects like shortness of breath, dizziness, or swelling. Pertuzumab administration details and the need for other therapies should be discussed based on individual treatment plans.

Step-by-step explanation:

When initiating therapy with pertuzumab for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer, it is important for the nurse to reinforce certain key information with the patient. The following points should be emphasized:

• Use contraception during and for 6 months following the use of this drug to prevent potential harm to a fetus, as pertuzumab can be harmful during pregnancy.
• Report side effects such as shortness of breath, lightheadedness, dizziness, cough, swelling of the feet, chills, fatigue, or headache during treatment. These symptoms may indicate potentially serious complications associated with the therapy.

The statement about taking the medication at the same time every day on an empty stomach and the notion that other therapies for cancer treatment are no longer needed, do not apply to pertuzumab and should not be reinforced.