Question

A client with advanced cancer is being treated with intravenous mithramycin (Mithracin). Which clinical manifestation indicates that the treatment is effective?

1) Bowel sounds are active in all four quadrants.
2) The client's serum sodium level is 138 mEq/L.
3) The pulse rate is 68 beats/min and bounding.
4) Urine output has increased to 30 mL/hr.

Answer 1

Increased urine output indicates that the treatment is effective.

Step-by-step explanation:

The clinical manifestation that indicates the treatment of intravenous mithramycin (Mithracin) is effective in a client with advanced cancer is 4) Urine output has increased to 30 mL/hr. Increased urine output is an indication that the kidneys are functioning well and able to filter and eliminate waste products from the body. This is a positive sign that the treatment is helping to improve the client's condition.

It would be more indicative of treatment effectiveness if tumor markers decrease, cancer symptoms improve, or tumor size reduces on imaging studies.