Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy
Name
Institution
CHEMOTHERAPY
Chemotherapy is potentially life-threatening and when administered above the recommended levels may cause serious damage or even death. Organs necessary for life among them the liver, kidneys and the heart are at risk of damage leading to death or chronic debilitation. Bone marrow failure may occur leading to death as a result of overwhelming infections. In addition, other cancers may arise as a result of these drugs.
Careful patient assessment is essential at every encounter. History and physical examination should be adequately conducted. Signs and symptoms indicative of toxicity should be carefully sought for patients already receiving chemotherapy. Assessment of weight and height must be made and clearly documented to help in accurate dose calculation. In addition, I should ensure that any patient with a suspected drug overdose gets their serum levels determined.
Measures are in place to safeguard patients receiving chemotherapeutic treatment owing to the high likelihood of harm from these drugs. Such measures include ensuring that the prescription is written and signed by qualified personnel, drugs being prepared by qualified pharmacist or nurse and ensuring chemotherapy is administered by physicians or other qualified staff. In addition, patient identification must be made and the day of chemotherapy administration clearly documented.
Protocols are currently widely used in the treatment of specific cancers. Protocols clearly define their intended use the routes of administration of the drugs and the number of cycles to be administered which reduces ambiguity.
Monitoring is, however, not readily available owing...