title: Nursing care of patients receiving activated lymphocytes.
abstract: Activated lymphocytes are administered to patients as a component of many biological therapy clinical trials. Oncology nurses caring for these patients need to understand administration techniques, potential side effects, and management strategies. Activated lymphocytes may be administered intravenously or regionally; administration techniques and side effects differ depending on the route of administration. The major side effects with intravenous infusion are chills/rigors, fever, hypotension, tachycardia, respiratory compromise, headache, nausea, and vomiting. When activated lymphocytes are infused regionally, the most common side effects are immediate regional discomfort and delayed chills, fever, and hypotension. Management of these side effects involves intense nursing care including assessment, monitoring, and interventions to promote medical stability and symptom control. Astute assessment skills and sound nursing judgement are essential for the safe administration of activated lymphocytes.
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Brogley
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Sharp
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000451:nursing*; D007261:Infusions, Intra-Arterial; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D015979:Killer Cells, Lymphokine-Activated / Q000637:transplantation*; D017710:Lymphocyte Transfusion; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology / Q000451:nursing* / Q000628:therapy; D009737:Nursing Records