CISPLATIN - A CLINICAL REVIEW .2. NURSING ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF SIDE-EFFECTS OF CISPLATIN

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 second of a two-part series about c isplatin. Part I provided a review of the mechanism of action, current uses, and administration guidelines. Part II discusses the most commo n side effects of cisplatin and the appropriate nursing assessment and management of patients undergoing treatment with this agent. In addit ion, future directions for the use of cisplatin and the use of alterna tive agents will be discussed.