Chemotherapeutic's extravasation: knowledge of the nursing team

Abstract

Objective: To assess the knowledge of the nursing team that works in the oncology section of a hospital, regarding the prevention, identification and conduct in the leakage of intravenous chemotherapeutics. Materials and Methods: This is an exploratory descriptive study with a qualitative approach, carried out through taped interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire, which was later transcribed. Data analysis was performed by the content analysis and compared with the literature available in the subject. Results: We identified three categories: knowledge on chemotherapeutic, the extravasation of chemotherapeutics, and the need for training on chemotherapy. It was observed a limited knowledge of each individual on this subject. The team realizes the need for continuing education, since this is an area of specialized care with constant changes in the anticancer therapy drugs available. Conclusion: The study revealed some gaps in the existing knowledge of professionals that administer the chemotherapeutics in relation to the prevention, identification and conduct in the event of leakage. In summary, it is required the training of the nursing team before the contact with patients with cancer and under chemotherapy, as well as continuing and ongoing education, thus ensuring greater safety for patients and a more humane and valuable care.