Download Skill

Skill:
Administration of Peripheral Cytotoxic Chemotherapy
Area of Practice:
Module and Status:
Cancer Care
WBL: Administration and Safe Handling of Cytotoxic
Chemotherapy MANDATORY
3
Clare Dikken and Helen Evans – July 2005
Level:
Author/date of origin:
Author/date of review:
Time estimate:
Knowledge required related to skill (should
know):
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Classify chemotherapy treatment aims for the
regime specific to this skill
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Describe how cytotoxic drugs act at a cellular
level and are classified for the regime specific
to this skill
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Discuss rationale of administration of
chemotherapy by different routes: intrathecal,
oral, intravenous, topical, intra-arterial and
intraperitoneal.
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Critically discuss the use of combination
chemotherapy
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Discuss the importance of scheduling
chemotherapy
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Discuss differences between monoclonal
antibodies and traditional chemotherapy

Identify how cytotoxic chemotherapy drugs
are metabolised and by which route
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Discuss COSHH and relevant policies and
how to manage adverse incidents in
administration e.g. spillage, disposal, critical
incident, extravasation, transport and storage
of cytotoxic drugs
Practice descriptor, i.e. can demonstrate skill
used stating knowledge base and act
appropriately at this level

Awareness of health and safety issues of
chemotherapy administration, including
protective clothing, safe handling and waste
disposal. Adheres to local policies.
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Assesses suitability of treatment for
individuals

Assesses suitability of veins for treatment
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Acts as patients advocate and communicates
with other members of MDT as appropriate

Obtains verbal informed consent

Uses appropriate interpersonal skills during
treatment administration

Maintains comfort, dignity and consideration
of the patient as an individual
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Discuss occupational health issues:
pregnancy, exposure to cytotoxic
chemotherapy
Critically discuss the use of use of different
cannula
Identify vesicant chemotherapy agents and
how to manage them (including order of drug
administration)
Demonstrate ability to distinguish between
flare reaction and extravasation
Discuss the role, accountability and
responsibilities of the nurse in the
administration of chemotherapy
Discuss local and network chemotherapy
policies
Critically evaluates the impact of cancer
services quality measures and the national
cancer plan.
Effectively assesses, plans, implements and
evaluates care of the patient receiving
chemotherapy.
Ensures effective documentation adhering to
NMC guidelines on Record Keeping
Applies current research findings to the care
of patients receiving chemotherapy
Effective hand washing techniques
Effective discharge or transfer of patient if
appropriate
Evidence of recent competence in IV drug
administration and cannulation of veins
Critically reflects on personal professional
practice
References:
National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting for Scotland.2001.A core curriculum for the
administration and safe handling of cytotoxic chemotherapy. Scotland: QA CPD.
Sussex Chemotherapy Group 2002. The administration of IV cytotoxic therapies by registered nurses: A framework
for training and practice in Sussex. Second edition. Chemotherapy Group, sussex cancer network.