While administering chemotherapy with bleomycin sulfate, which assessment is most critical for the nurse to prioritize?

When administering chemotherapy with bleomycin sulfate, prioritizing lung sounds is critical due to the potential pulmonary toxicity associated with this medication. Bleomycin can cause a range of lung-related complications, including pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis. Monitoring lung sounds allows the nurse to detect early signs of respiratory distress or changes in lung function, which can be a serious and potentially life-threatening side effect.

Timely assessment of lung sounds enables prompt intervention if respiratory problems arise, which is crucial given that changes in pulmonary status can escalate quickly. Recognizing the significance of respiratory health in patients undergoing treatment with bleomycin reflects an understanding of the drug's profile and its associated risks.

While monitoring heart rate, fluid balance, and blood pressure are important in the overall management of patients undergoing chemotherapy, the unique risk of lung toxicity with bleomycin makes lung sounds the most critical assessment to prioritize during its administration.