CISPLATIN - A CLINICAL REVIEW .1. CURRENT USES OF CISPLATIN AND ADMINISTRATION GUIDELINES

Cisplatin is one of the most active cancer treatment agents available. Unfortunately, however, cisplatin causes many untoward side effects. Nurses play a major role in administering cisplatin and in preventing and managing the adverse effects associated with this drug. In order t o maximize the quality of life of patients undergoing cisplatin treatm ent, nurses need a thorough knowledge of its uses, administration, and side effects. This article is the first of a two-part series about ci splatin. Part I will provide a review of the mechanism of action, curr ent uses, and administration guidelines. Part II will discuss the most common side effects of cisplatin and the appropriate nursing assessme nt and management of patients undergoing treatment with this agent. In addition, future directions for the use of cisplatin and the use of a lternative agents will be discussed.