Question

A patient is starting paclitaxel dose 250mg/m2 every three weeks. the nurse monitors the patient for?

a) peripheral neuropathy
b )lower extremity edema
c)skin rash
d) abdominal pain

Answer 1

If a patient is treated with Paclitaxel, the nurse should monitor for the possible occurrence of peripheral neuropathy (option a).

Step-by-step explanation:

Paclitaxel, is a drug used as part of the chemotherapy regimen for the treatment of cancer, especially breast and lung cancer.

One of the known adverse effects of Paclitaxel, like vincristine and cisplatin, is its neurotoxicity —sensory or motor nerve damage- affecting the function of the peripheral nerves. Peripheral neuropathy is therefore a possible complication in the course of Paclitaxel treatment, something that the nurse should anticipate and report for adjustment or discontinuation of Paclitaxel treatment.

The other options are not correct because:

b. Lower extremity edema is not an adverse effect of Paclitaxel.

c. Skin rash is an adverse effect of paclitaxel, transitory and not as severe as neuropathy.

d. Abdominal pain may occur, accompanying by diarrhea, but is transitory.