Question

The oncology nurse is caring for a female client who is being treated for metastatic breast cancer. The client is scheduled to receive their first dose of trastuzumab. Which assessment finding is most important to notify the health care provider of?

A
Blood glucose 130 mg/dL
B
Absolute neutrophil count 2.5 (2,500 mm3)
C
Intermittent nausea and vomiting
D
Irregular apical pulse

Answer 1

The most important assessment finding to notify the health care provider of when a client is scheduled to receive their first dose of trastuzumab for metastatic breast cancer is an irregular apical pulse.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most important assessment finding to notify the health care provider of in this scenario is an irregular apical pulse. Trastuzumab is a medication used to treat breast cancer, but it can have cardiotoxic effects, including potential damage to the heart muscle.

1. If the client's apical pulse is irregular, it may indicate a cardiac arrhythmia.
2. Cardiac arrhythmias can be potentially life-threatening, especially in a patient with metastatic cancer.
3. Notifying the health care provider is crucial in order to assess the client's cardiac status and determine if any changes to the treatment plan are necessary.