31917 Cancer & Chemotherapy: Administration, Side Effects, Complications, Oncologic Emergencies

Course overview

Discusses the physiology of cancer; common side effects of chemotherapy and appropriate nursing interventions, as well as complications and oncologic emergencies; and routes and classifications for chemotherapy, as well as the best practices for the administration of and safe handling of chemotherapy. According to the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), oncology nurses who receive specialized education and training contribute to increased patient safety for patients receiving chemotherapy and biotherapy. The ONS has developed Chemotherapy Administration Safety Standards in order to reduce errors related to chemotherapy administration and to establish best practices in the care of cancer patients. Due to the complexity of cancer and chemotherapeutic agents, side effects of treatments, and advances in medications and treatments, oncology nurses must remain educated regarding all facets of caring for oncology patients in order for the best patient outcomes to be achieved.