title: Intravenous drug compatibility: a challenge for the oncology nurse.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine the cause(s) and types of IV incompatibilities that can occur in the oncology population, to present information on commonly used oncologic medications, to identify resources available to nurses, and to provide specific interventions designed to prevent incompatibilities in various oncology settings.
  
  
  METHODS
  Published articles, nursing and pharmacology textbooks.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Many common oncologic medications are not compatible. A number of factors, including pH, drug additives, and cosolvents, may cause these incompatibilities. Incompatible reactions may be visually apparent or may occur on a molecular level.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A basic understanding of incompatibilities can minimize their occurrence. A variety of resources and interventions are available.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Incompatibilities can occur easily in a variety of oncology settings and can result in detrimental medical and financial outcomes. Nurses play an important role in preventing incompatibilities. They must be familiar with the medications they are administering and have access to compatibility information and resources.
authors.affiliation: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Eisenberg
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004344:Drug Incompatibility; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000193:education; D013664:Teaching Materials
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents