A Chemotherapy Guide for the Medical-surgical Nurse

Hazardous drugs are used in the treatment of persons with cancer. These agents are referred to as cytotoxic agents, chemotherapy agents, or antineoplastic agents. Chemotherapy drugs have by-products that are excreted in the urine and feces. This poses a hazard for healthcare workers. This guide walks the nurse through the issues of exposure to hazardous drugs, appropriate utilization of personal protective equipment, cleaning up a spill, and trouble shooting various intravenous complications. The purpose of this booklet is to provide the staff nurse with guidelines for keeping their patients safe during chemotherapy administration.