A young client with cystic fibrosis (CF) is on dornase alfa. What does the nurse teach about the action of this medication?

A. Remove the intravenous catheter.

While removing the intravenous catheter is an important step, the immediate priority in cases of extravasation is to stop the infusion to prevent further leakage into the surrounding tissues. After stopping the infusion, the catheter can be carefully removed.

B. Pack the intravenous site with ice.

Cold compresses or ice packs are sometimes used in the management of certain types of extravasation to help reduce local swelling and vasoconstriction. However, the immediate priority is to stop the infusion (Choice C). After that, specific interventions, such as warm or cold compresses, may be employed based on the specific chemotherapy agent involved.

C. Stop the intravenous infusion.

This is the correct answer. Stopping the infusion is the first and most immediate action to prevent further leakage of the chemotherapy drug into the surrounding tissues, reducing the risk of tissue damage and adverse effects.

D. Attempt to aspirate residual medication from the patient’s vein.

While aspirating residual medication may be part of the overall management of extravasation, it is not the first action. The priority is to stop the infusion to prevent further damage. After stopping the infusion, the nurse may assess the situation and determine whether aspirating residual medication is appropriate.

. because many chemotherapy patients require blood transfusions:

While some chemotherapy patients may require blood transfusions, this is not the primary reason for using intravenous ports, central lines, or peripherally inserted central lines.

B. because many chemotherapy patients need long-term intravenous access:

Long-term intravenous access may be needed for some chemotherapy patients, but the critical consideration is the vesicant nature of many chemotherapy drugs.

C. because chemotherapy patients have frequent blood draws orders:

Frequent blood draws may be necessary for monitoring purposes, but the primary reason for using specialized lines in chemotherapy patients is to administer the drugs safely.

D. because many chemotherapeutic drugs are vesicants:

The primary reason for using intravenous ports, central lines, or peripherally inserted central lines in chemotherapy patients is to administer chemotherapy drugs directly into large veins. Many chemotherapeutic drugs are vesicants, meaning they can cause severe damage to tissues if they leak into the surrounding areas. These specialized lines allow for the safe and controlled administration of chemotherapy drugs, reducing the risk of extravasation (leakage into surrounding tissues).