The nurse is caring for a 52-year-old patient with breast cancer who is receiving chemotherapy with doxorubicin (Adriamycin) and cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan). Which assessment finding is most important to communicate to the health care provider?
a. The patient complains of fatigue.
b. The patient eats only 25% of meals.
c. The patient's apical pulse is irregular.
d. The patient's white blood cell (WBC) count is 5000/µL.
ANS: C
Doxorubicin can cause cardiac toxicity. The dysrhythmia should be reported because it may indicate a need for a change in therapy. Anorexia, fatigue, and a low-normal WBC count are expected effects of chemotherapy.
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