What is the significant effect of cisplatin that the nurse should monitor for?

Cisplatin is a chemotherapy medication used primarily to treat various types of cancer. One of its significant side effects that nurses must closely monitor is bone marrow suppression. This occurs because cisplatin affects the rapidly dividing cells in the bone marrow, leading to a decrease in the production of blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Monitoring for bone marrow suppression is crucial because this condition can lead to complications such as anemia (with resulting fatigue and weakness), increased risk of infections due to low white blood cell counts, and bleeding or bruising due to low platelet counts. These outcomes can significantly impact a patient's overall health and ability to tolerate further chemotherapy.

The other options listed do not typically represent significant side effects associated with cisplatin treatment. While changes in appetite or potential weight gain can occur in cancer patients, these are less critical for monitoring compared to the severe effects of bone marrow suppression. Migraines are not a known side effect of cisplatin, further underscoring the need for vigilance around the hematological impact of this chemotherapeutic agent. Thus, focusing on bone marrow function and the associated blood parameters is essential for safe patient care during cisplatin therapy.