Fever of unknown origin in patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Drug fever refers to a febrile response to a drug, and its clinical picture often resembles an allergic reaction or infection. The fever most commonly occurs 7-10 days after drug administration, persists as long as the drug is continued, and disappears soon after stopping the drug (Tabor, 1986). The risks and benefits of continuing a drug that causes fever must be evaluated for every patient who experiences drug fevers. Quality-of-life issues arise for patients who experience them despite the concurrent use of steroids. Recognizing drug fever is of great clinical importance. If drug fever is not recognized, patients may be subjected to prolonged hospitalizations and unnecessary testing and medications (Johnson & Cunha, 1996). Oncology nurses play an important role in the early recognition of drug fever.
Nuñez
A M
AM
Noble Hospital, Westfield, MA, USA.
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005335:Fever of Unknown Origin / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012648:Self Care
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents