title: The need for routine monitoring of cardiac function in patients receiving 5-fluorouracil infusion.
abstract: Fluorouracil (5-FU) is an antimetabolite that has become the cornerstone chemotherapeutic agent used to treat tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. Although proven to be effective, 5-FU can cause cardiotoxicity, which can be life-threatening. Adverse cardiac-related events induced by 5-FU include angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, supraventricular tachycardia, and atrial fibrillation. Nurses play a crucial role in the routine monitoring of cardiac function by identifying patients at high risk of developing 5-FU-related cardiotoxicity, monitoring patients during treatment, and then implementing specific interventions if 5-FU-related cardiotoxicity is identified or suspected. This article discusses the relevance of 5-FU-related cardiotoxicity, highlights the need for routine monitoring of cardiac function, and discusses methods of early detection and management.
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, University of South Florida in Tampa.
authors.forename: Nataya
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Francis
mesh_terms: D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D006321:Heart / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic; D005472:Fluorouracil
keywords: 5-fluorouracil; cardiotoxicity; electrocardiography; routine cardiac monitoring