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The nurse should review the complete blood count and differential before administering chemotherapy to a patient who has lung cancer. The complete blood count and differential measure the number and types of blood cells, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Chemotherapy drugs can cause bone marrow suppression, which can result in anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. These conditions can increase the risk of infection, bleeding, and fatigue. The nurse should compare the patient's blood counts with the normal values and the provider's orders and report any abnormalities or contraindications to the provider.

The nurse should review the serum electrolytes and blood urea nitrogen before administering chemotherapy to a patient who has lung cancer. The serum electrolytes measure the levels of sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate in the blood. The blood urea nitrogen measures the amount of urea nitrogen, a waste product of protein metabolism, in the blood. Chemotherapy drugs can cause nephrotoxicity, which can impair the kidney's function and cause electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, and metabolic acidosis. The nurse should compare the patient's serum electrolytes and blood urea nitrogen with the normal values and the provider's orders and report any abnormalities or contraindications to the provider.

The nurse should review the liver function tests and serum bilirubin before administering chemotherapy to a patient who has lung cancer. The liver function tests measure the levels of enzymes and proteins that reflect the liver's function, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), albumin, and total protein. The serum bilirubin measures the level of bilirubin, a pigment that is produced by the breakdown of red blood cells, in the blood. Chemotherapy drugs can cause hepatotoxicity, which can damage the liver cells and impair the liver's function. The nurse should compare the patient's liver function tests and serum bilirubin with the normal values and the provider's orders and report any abnormalities or contraindications to the provider.

This is the definition of thrombophlebitis, which is inflammation of a vein due to a blood clot. Thrombophlebitis can occur as a complication of IV therapy, but it is not the same as extravasation. The nurse should monitor the IV site for signs of thrombophlebitis, such as redness, warmth, and tenderness along the vein. If thrombophlebitis occurs, the nurse should discontinue the IV line and apply warm compresses to the affected area³.

This is the definition of infiltration, which is the leakage of fluid into the tissues due to a dislodged or punctured IV catheter. Infiltration can cause edema, pallor, and decreased skin temperature around the IV site. Infiltration can also occur as a complication of IV therapy, but it is not as serious as extravasation. The nurse should monitor the IV site for signs of infiltration, such as swelling, coolness, or dampness. If infiltration occurs, the nurse should stop the infusion and remove the IV line³.

This is the definition of occlusion, which is the blockage of an IV catheter by a precipitate (a solid substance that forms when two solutions are mixed). Occlusion can cause reduced or absent flow rate and increased pressure in the IV line. Occlusion can also occur as a complication of IV therapy, but it is not related to extravasation. The nurse should monitor the IV line for signs of occlusion, such as difficulty in flushing or infusing fluids. If occlusion occurs, the nurse should try to clear the catheter by flushing with saline or heparin³.

These are common side effects of chemotherapy, but they are not directly related to bone marrow suppression. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can occur due to the effects of chemotherapy on the digestive system or the brain. They can also cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, which can affect the blood cells. The nurse should assess the patient for nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea and provide antiemetics, fluids, and electrolytes as ordered.

These are also common side effects of chemotherapy, but they are not directly related to bone marrow suppression. Hair loss, dry skin, and brittle nails can occur due to the effects of chemotherapy on the cells that produce hair and skin. They can also affect the patient's selfesteem and body image. The nurse should assess the patient for hair loss, dry skin, and brittle nails and provide supportive care and education.

These are signs of a cardiac problem, such as a heart attack or an arrhythmia. They are not directly related to bone marrow suppression. However, some chemotherapy drugs can affect the heart and cause cardiotoxicity, which can lead to heart failure or damage. The nurse should assess the patient for chest pain, dyspnea, and palpitations and report them to the provider immediately.

Encouraging oral hygiene with a soft toothbrush or sponge and a mild mouthwash or saline solution can help prevent or reduce mucositis by keeping the mouth clean and moist. Oral hygiene can also prevent bacterial growth and infection in the mouth. The nurse should instruct the patient to avoid alcoholbased mouthwashes, as they can irritate the mucous membranes³.

Administering topical anesthetics or analgesics as prescribed can help relieve pain and discomfort caused by mucositis. Topical agents can numb the mouth and throat and allow the patient to eat and drink more comfortably. Systemic analgesics may also be needed for severe pain. The nurse should assess the patient's pain level and administer pain relief as ordered³.

Offering soft, bland, moist foods and fluids at room temperature or cooler can help the patient with mucositis by avoiding further irritation of the mucous membranes. Soft foods are easier to swallow and less likely to cause bleeding or damage to the ulcers. Bland foods are less likely to cause a burning sensation or inflammation. Moist foods and fluids can keep the mouth hydrated and prevent dryness. Room temperature or cooler foods and fluids can soothe the mouth and throat and reduce swelling³.