Chemo Precautions
Who needs to be on Chemo Precautions?
Chemo precautions is for any patient who has had chemo recently. Individuals need to be on chemo precautions for 48 ours after they have received their last chemo dose. This is for all IV, IM, IT, SubQ and oral chemo’s. It is also recommended to implement chemo precautions with immuno therapy.
What are somethings we might want to tell a patient when they are getting chemo at home?
Try using a separate toilet
Try cleaning toiled after each use
Put toilet seat down to avoid splashing and to prevent pets from drinking.
Where can the chemo spill kits be located?
10th floor clean supply closes to nurse educators office.
What is the CNAs responsibility if they notice something is wrong with an oncology patient that is actively receiving chemo?
Call the nurse
Get a set of vitals.
Stay with the patient until a nurse gets there.
Cancer
Who can implement chemo precautions?
Anyone
What are some things we can educate family on if they come into contact with chemo?
Wash area with soap an water. Notify your provider that you came into contact with chemo agent.
What is a chemo spill?
Chemotherapy is accidently spilled or leaked.
Where is the chemo reaction kit located?
Med room 3.
What is the leading cause of cancer worldwide?
Smoking
Reproductive issues
Cancer
Nausea
Vomiting
Dizziness
Headaches
Hepatocellular damage
Hair loss
Raspatory issues
Skin issues
What do laundry precautions should individuals take when they are on chemo?
If you suspect there is a chemo spill is okay to leave it and deal with it later?
No- Spills should be dealt with immediately. They can be a hazard to patients, families and other staff members.
What are some signs and symptoms of a reaction?
Hives, swelling, itching, flushing, rash, back pain, chills, shakes, shortness of breath.
Who is the oncology inpatient nurse practitioner and where can she be found?
NP Leah Coffman and she shares an office with nurse educator.
Why do health care providers need to implement chemo precautions?
To protect you
If a patient has a chemo pump what tools and education should they be given in the instance of a chemo spill?
They should be given a chemo spill kit
They should be educated on how to use the kit and how to dispose of it.
Who can clean up a chemo spill?
Only Oncology Trained Nurses
What are the meds used for chemo reactions?
Solu Medrol
Pepcid
Benadryl
Epi
Demerol
Why was NCCN created?
To standardize cancer care.
What Are Chemo Precautions?
Cover the toilet with disposable chux pad fluff side down prior to flushing
Change chux daily
Double flush toilets
Where chemo gloves when handling bodily fluid x2
Clean any spilled body fluid wearing chemo gown and gloves
Dispose of linens contaminated by body fluids in chemo waste basket
Is a patient is receiving IV chemo where are the locations that the chemo could possibly be leaking?
- Where the patient port is accessed or the IV line. The needle can get dislodged if a patient pulls on it.
- Where the line connects to the Huber needle. Often times this occurs because it is not connected tight enough.
- Where the chemo connects to the TKO line
- Where the line is spiked into the bag.
What are the supplies found in a chemo spill kit?
2 sets of chemo gloves
eye protection
shoe covers
scoop and scraper
Chemo gown
two large disposable bags
Decontamination agent
Absorbent material
Respirator mask
What are the steps to treating an chemo reaction?
Shut off chemo
Run Fluids wide open
Get a set of vitals
Provide O2 support if needed
Get emergency meds from med room
Administer emergency meds
Monitor the patient.
What year was the first year a patient was treated with chemotherapy?
1942- Hodgkins Lymphoma