What adverse effect should the nurse be aware of when caring for a patient receiving doxorubicin?

When caring for a patient receiving doxorubicin, it is crucial to be aware of the potential for pulmonary congestion as an adverse effect. Doxorubicin is an anthracycline chemotherapy agent known for its effectiveness in treating various cancers. However, one of its serious side effects is cardiotoxicity, which can lead to heart failure. This could manifest as pulmonary congestion due to fluid accumulation in the lungs as the heart's pumping ability diminishes.

Monitoring for signs of pulmonary congestion, such as dyspnea or abnormal lung sounds, is important for early detection and timely intervention. This aspect of care is vital since pulmonary congestion can significantly impact a patient's respiratory status and overall well-being. Thus, recognizing this potential complication is essential for nurses administering doxorubicin and managing patient care effectively.

While other adverse effects like urine discoloration, hirsutism, and pruritus may occur with various medications or treatments, they are not directly associated with the primary concerns when administering doxorubicin, making awareness of pulmonary congestion especially critical in this context.