Care of the patient receiving antineoplastic drugs

Caring for patients who receive chemotherapeutic agents is among the most challenging and potentially rewarding dimensions of oncologic nursing practice. The nurse must possess sound knowledge of not only the biologic and behavioral sciences, but also of current oncologic nursing practices, pathology, and the pharmaceutics of antineoplastic drugs. However, comprehensive nursing care must counterbalance clinical expertise with sensitivity to the unique problems patients with cancer and their families experience. Because the nurse is often the only health care professional with whom the patient and family have consistent contact, clinical expertise and sensitivity are of critical importance to the well-being of patients and their families during therapy. Through accurate, ongoing assessment and identification of problems, prompt recognition of learning needs, and intelligent, supportive, and creative interventions, nurses can do much to assure that patients and families receive the comprehensive care to which they are entitled. It is the purpose of this paper to discuss essential aspects of antineoplastic drug therapy and the important role of the nurse in caring for patients receiving this type of treatment.