The nurse is caring for a client with breast cancer who has an order for doxorubicin IV. The nurse anticipates which common side effect of this medication?

  • permanent hair loss
  • halos around objects and blurred vision
  • red urine for 1 – 2 days after administration
  • facial flushing and red streaking along the vein
Number 3 is correct.
Doxorubicin causes red urine for 1 – 2 days after administration. Hair loss is temporary; regrowth begins 2 – 3 months after treatment is completed. Visual changes are not a side effect of this medication. Facial flushing and red streaking along the vein only occur when infused too rapidly; therefore, this should not be an expected side effect.