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Clinical Pearls | Infusion Therapy |
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Chemotherapeutic agents can be highly toxic and cause bleeding gums, increased bruising or petechiae, hypermenorrhea, tarry stools, hematuria, and coffee ground–like vomitus. Instruct the patient to report sudden headaches and to avoid cuts and bruises. Tell him also to use a children's toothbrush and an electric razor to prevent bleeding, and a stool softener to prevent colonic irritation or bleeding, and to avoid using a rectal thermometer or receiving intramuscular injections. Monitor the patient's platelet count; his risk of excessive bleeding occurs at counts below 50,000/mm3. A platelet transfusion may be needed if the platelet count is below 20,000/mm3. Plan patient teaching to include bone marrow suppression, blood counts, potential sites of infection, and personal hygiene. |
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