Care for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

- Procedures During Chemotherapy Preparation

1. The preparation area for chemotherapy should be separate from other hospital departments to minimize contamination risk, as many chemotherapy drugs are fine particles that can easily be inhaled as aerosol.
2. If the hospital lacks a chemotherapy preparation unit, a fixed, suitable area should be designated for preparation.
3. A cytotoxic drugs spill kit must be available in chemotherapy rooms to handle any breakage or spillage of chemotherapy drugs. This kit should include: plastic gloves, a medical coat, safety glasses, absorbent cloths, cleaning solution, purple plastic bags, and shoe covers.
4. Wash hands.
5. Wear personal protective equipment, including:
• Long-sleeve gloves.
• Impermeable, long-sleeve protective gown.
• Protective glasses, face mask.
• Single-use shoes, head cover.
6. Chemotherapy should be mixed in a Biological Safety Cabinet.
7. The ampoule should be broken away from the face and covered with gauze or cotton.
8. The diluting solution should be slowly introduced along the side of the ampoule or vial, ensuring that all powder dissolves before withdrawal.
9. Prevent high pressure inside the vial when starting the mixing and adding the solution.
10. Air should be purged from the syringe used for injection on a gauze piece, not into the air.
11. Purge excess drug from the syringe by removing the needle and placing a sterile cotton piece to prevent aerosol spread.
12. Do not refrigerate the prepared drug; it should be used as soon as possible. The stability period usually lasts 24 hours at temperatures between 2°C to 8°C.
13. Return any unused doses or expired drugs to the pharmacy for proper disposal.
14. The syringes, tubes, and IV devices used should be of the Leur-lock type.
15. Write the patient's name and dose on the solution bag.
16. Cover the solution before transporting it to the patient.