During the administration of intravenous bleomycin sulfate, which nursing assessment takes priority?

The priority nursing assessment during the administration of intravenous bleomycin sulfate is lung sounds. Bleomycin is an antineoplastic agent that is known to have a risk for pulmonary toxicity. This side effect can manifest as pneumonitis, pulmonary fibrosis, or progressive lung damage, which can be serious and potentially life-threatening. Monitoring lung sounds allows the nurse to detect any abnormal respiratory changes, such as crackles or wheezes, that may indicate early signs of pulmonary complications. Early identification of respiratory issues can lead to timely intervention, thereby potentially preventing severe outcomes associated with this drug.

While skin integrity, heart rhythm, and blood pressure are all important to monitor as part of comprehensive patient care, they do not take precedence in the context of bleomycin administration. Skin integrity concerns are more relevant regarding extravasation or infusion site issues, heart rhythm does not have a direct correlation with bleomycin, and while blood pressure is essential for overall monitoring, it does not specifically relate to the immediate risks associated with bleomycin. Therefore, prioritizing lung sounds is critical to ensuring the patient's respiratory health and safety during treatment.