A patient is receiving intravenous vincristine [Oncovin]. The patient complains of pain at the IV insertion site. The nurse examines the site and notes an area of erythema and edema. What will the nurse do?
a. Change the IV site and notify the provider of the extravasation.
b. Contact the provider to suggest using a different chemotherapeutic agent.
c. Obtain an order for a topical anesthetic to minimize discomfort.
d. Slow the rate of infusion to reduce the patient's discomfort.
A
Vincristine is a vesicant; extravasation of these agents can cause severe local injury that some-times requires surgical debridement and skin grafting. The site should be changed, and the pro-vider should be notified. Requesting a different drug is not indicated. Topical anesthetics will not prevent local tissue injury. Slowing the rate of infusion will not prevent local tissue injury.
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