Which of the following are major concerns for chemotherapy delivered via the IV route?

Which of the following are major concerns for chemotherapy delivered via the IV route?

• A. Venous access problems
• B. Device or catheter related infection
• C. Extravasation: infiltration of drugs into tissue surrounding infusion site, causing local tissue damage
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

IV chemotherapy relies on access to a vein or a central venous device, so safety focuses on what can go wrong with that access and with the drug leaking into tissue. Venous access problems are common and can interrupt treatment; every failed cannulation, vein irritation, or catheter occlusion adds risk and discomfort for the patient. Device or catheter related infections are a major concern because long-term lines such as ports or central venous catheters can serve as a route for bacteria, potentially leading to bloodstream infections that require antibiotics and sometimes removal of the line. Extravasation is particularly alarming with vesicant chemotherapy; if the drug leaks into surrounding tissue, it can cause severe local injury and tissue necrosis, which may require urgent management and sometimes surgical intervention. When you consider these risks together, they all represent major concerns with IV chemotherapy, so “all of the above” is the best answer.

IV chemotherapy relies on access to a vein or a central venous device, so safety focuses on what can go wrong with that access and with the drug leaking into tissue. Venous access problems are common and can interrupt treatment; every failed cannulation, vein irritation, or catheter occlusion adds risk and discomfort for the patient. Device or catheter related infections are a major concern because long-term lines such as ports or central venous catheters can serve as a route for bacteria, potentially leading to bloodstream infections that require antibiotics and sometimes removal of the line. Extravasation is particularly alarming with vesicant chemotherapy; if the drug leaks into surrounding tissue, it can cause severe local injury and tissue necrosis, which may require urgent management and sometimes surgical intervention. When you consider these risks together, they all represent major concerns with IV chemotherapy, so “all of the above” is the best answer.