The pediatric nurse is providing care to a school-age child receiving chemotherapy to treat cancer. Which interventions are appropriate to include in the plan of care in order to monitor for oncologic emergencies?

Question

1. Monitor complete blood count (CBC).
2. Document intake and output.
3. Observe for behavioral changes.
4. Refer for psychosocial support.
5. Implement neutropenic precautions.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1,2,3
Rationale: Oncologic emergencies can be organized into three groups: metabolic, hematologic, and those involving space-occupying lesions. Appropriate interventions for the nurse to include in the plan of care to monitor for these emergencies include monitoring the CBC to prevent sepsis and hemorrhage; monitoring intake and output by encouraging hydration to prevent hypercalcemia and observing for signs of water intoxication; and observing for behavioral changes as space-occupying lesions may cause seizures or increased intracranial pressure. Referring for psychosocial support and implementing neutropenia precautions may be appropriate, but these interventions do not address oncologic emergencies.