The 50-year-old patient receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer has developed a fungal bloodstream infection. Which intervention is the nurse’s first consideration?

Monitor patient's vital signs. The patient receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer is at risk for fungemia due to immunosuppression. It is possible the fungemia was caused by the IV, but until the source of infection is determined, the patient's IV stays in place to ensure IV access. Fungemia can lead to sepsis and shock, so the vital signs are monitored first and foremost. Changing the patient's position is unhelpful. Increasing fluid intake is important for the antifungal medications, which are often nephrotoxic. However, this is not the first intervention.

The 50-year-old patient receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer ...

Category: Safety and Infection Control
Difficulty: 7

Topics: Hematology/Oncology Medication and Blood Products Assessment Cardiovascular Communication & Documentation Delegation, Prioritization and Leadership Disease Prevention Fluid and Electrolytes Gastrointestinal Immunity Infection Inflammation Nursing Interventions Routes of Administration

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