Various chemo regimens are used in the oncology unit on the routine basis. Extremely often professionals refer to the usage of those medicines that include cytarabine in their composition. This chemotherapy agent is known as an effective tool for slowing the reproduction of particular cancer cells. However, just as many other treatments for oncological patients, it has a wide range of side effects. The discussed agent is known for its neurotoxicity has been an increasingly recognized cytarabine effect. As a result, it can lead to myelopathy, necrotizing leukoencephalopathy, peripheral neuropathy, cerebral dysfunction, etc. (Tortori-Donati & Rossi, 2010).
For neurological nurses to evaluate the patient’s condition and find out if one experiences some neurological changes because of the treatment, professionals should implement changes in the assessment procedure and educate the staff. In this way, it is critical to provide efficient training for the nurses so that they got to know all peculiarities of cytarabine administration. They should learn all possible side effects and ask patients if they experience some of them. In this framework, attention can be paid to “neuritis, neural toxicity, cerebellar toxicity, lethargy, confusion, and headache” (Cytarabine side effects, 2016).
Nurses should be able to identify issues with cerebellar because its toxicity or degeneration can be found during the treatment. It is also critical to appoint supervision in order to define if the staff is able to reach the discussed goal and assess patient’s condition decently.
References
Cytarabine side effects. (2016). Web.
Tortori-Donati, P., & Rossi, A. (2010). Pediatric neuroradiology: Brain, head, neck and spine. Berlin, Germany: Springer.