Updating your peripheral neuropathy "know-how"

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that can be caused or exacerbated by the administration of certain chemotherapeutic agents. The effects of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) are dose limiting and might lead to permanent, debilitating disabilities. Oncology nurses should be aware of the impact of CIPN. Nurses should be cognizant of the pathophysiology, pre-existing conditions contributing to an increased risk of CIPN, causative agents, and interventions used in managing CIPN. Awareness that the peripheral nervous system is divided into small fibers, large fibers, and the autonomic nervous system is important in the assessment, detection, and treatment of CIPN. Presenting symptoms are related to the specific fibers that are damaged. Because of the different mechanisms of action, CIPN symptoms vary depending on the chemotherapeutic agents used. This article provides a general overview of CIPN, including pathophysiology, causes, risk factors, assessment, and current treatment. Oncology nurses must be alert for the manifestations of CIPN. Early intervention and patient education can have a positive effect on the quality of life for patients with this disorder.