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.