With administering cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), which has the potential adverse effect of cardiotoxicity, what is the best action by the nurse during treatment?
1. Obtain baseline and periodic ECGs.
2. Stop the drug if abnormal heart sounds are auscultated.
3. Obtain baseline and periodic echocardiograms.
4. Obtain baseline and periodic cardiac enzymes.
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: This is the correct answer.
Rationale 2: A health care provider should be notified before the drug is stopped by the nurse.
Rationale 3: This is not necessarily indicated.
Rationale 4: This is not the best answer.
Global Rationale: The easiest, most cost effective screening is periodic ECGs. Abnormal heart sounds should be reported, but the drug should not be stopped on that basis. Echocardiogram and cardiac enzymes may be ordered based upon patient symptoms, but are not logically used for screening.
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