Chapter 23: Administration of systemic anticancer therapies
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Complications
Haematuria
This can occur within 24–48 hours as a direct consequence of the trauma of catheterization or the loosening of blood clots following cystoscopy by fluid injected into the bladder. The patient needs to be monitored for signs of clot retention, shock, haemorrhage or fluid retention and any complications should be reported to the medical team. The patient should be encouraged to drink plenty of fluids to help reduce the risk of clot formation.
Leakage
Another complication can be leakage from around the catheter following administration of the drug. This may be caused by the catheter slipping out of the bladder or bladder spasm caused by the drug itself. It is therefore important that the nurse checks the position of the catheter regularly and informs the doctor if leakage persists. Any leakage should be washed thoroughly using protective personal equipment. The patient's skin should be protected by wrapping sterile topical swabs around the catheter and promoting strict personal hygiene (Wilkes [268]).
