Administering rituximab: infusion-related reactions and nursing implications
Intended for healthcare professionals
Clinical Previous     Next

Administering rituximab: infusion-related reactions and nursing implications

Ann Helen Graham Senior charge nurse, Haematology Unit, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee

Rituximab, a monoclonal antibody, is standard therapy in the treatment of patients with CD20 positive B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Rituximab has three distinct modes of action, all of which lead to apoptosis. It is administered as an intravenous infusion with the dose gradually increased over many hours. During this time patients require careful monitoring and frequent observation to detect infusion-related reactions. Most patients experience mild to moderate infusion-related reactions, however, severe life-threatening reactions can occur. Nurses administering rituximab should understand its therapeutic uses, posology, side effects, precautions and management of infusion-related reactions. As the licensed use of rituximab expands nurses must continue to deliver high-quality care within available resources. This article explores the most common infusion-related reactions and toxicities associated with rituximab and discusses the nursing implications for patients receiving this therapy.

Cancer Nursing Practice. 8, 2, 30-35. doi: 10.7748/cnp2009.03.8.2.30.c6842

Your organisation does not have access to this article
Recommend to your librarian
RCNi-Plus
Already have access? Log in

OR

3-month trial offer for �5.25/month

Subscribe today and save 50% on your first three months
RCNi Plus users have full access to the following benefits:
  • Unlimited access to all 10 RCNi Journals
  • RCNi Learning featuring over 175 modules to easily earn CPD time
  • NMC-compliant RCNi Revalidation Portfolio to stay on track with your progress
  • Personalised newsletters tailored to your interests
  • A customisable dashboard with over 200 topics
Subscribe

Alternatively, you can purchase access to this article for the next seven days. Buy now


Are you a student? Our student subscription has content especially for you.
Find out more