The nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving vincristine (Oncovin), a plant alkaloid chemotherapeutic agent, to treat non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The nurse observes that the patient has difficulty walking
What action will the nurse take?
a. Ask about numbness or tingling in the fingers and toes.
b. Assess heart rate and blood pressure to evaluate for orthostatic hypotension.
c. Assess the temperature to evaluate for infection.
d. Request an order for a complete blood count and electrolytes.
ANS: A
Peripheral neuropathy can occur with this drug and is manifested by difficulty walking and numbness and tingling in the fingers and toes. Orthostatic hypotension is not a side effect. Infection is always a concern, and regular evaluation of complete blood count and electrolytes is performed but not related to signs of peripheral neuropathy.
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