The mitotic inhibitors interfere with the ability of a cell to divide and they block or alter deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthesis, thus causing cell death. What is important for the nurse to remember when administering these drugs?

Question

A) The nurse should encourage the patient to eat six small meals a day.
B) The nurse should avoid any skin, eye, or mucous membrane contact with the drug.
C) The nurse should avoid using a distal vein.
D) The nurse should check for extravasation when the infusion is over.

Answer 1

B
Feedback:
Special care needs to be taken when administering these drugs. The nurse should avoid any skin, eye, or mucous membrane contact with the drug. This type of contact can cause serious reactions and toxicity for the nurse. The nurse should check for extravasation frequently during the infusion and not wait until the infusion is completed, a distal vein should be used, nausea and vomiting are commonly experienced adverse effects of these drugs, and small meals may help the patient to maintain adequate nutrition but this is not the important concern when administering the drug.