What specific side effect should the nurse monitor in a client treated with vincristine (Oncovin)?

Vincristine, a chemotherapy medication used primarily for certain types of cancers, is known for its neurotoxic effects. One of the hallmark side effects associated with vincristine therapy is peripheral neuropathy, which can manifest as numbness and tingling in the fingers and toes. This occurs because vincristine affects the nerve cells, leading to damage in the peripheral nervous system.

Monitoring for numbness and tingling is crucial, as it can indicate the extent of neurotoxicity and the need to potentially adjust the treatment regimen. Patients may also report other symptoms related to nerve involvement, but vigilant monitoring for these specific sensations can help in early intervention and management of side effects.

While hair loss can occur with many chemotherapy agents, it is not a specific side effect of vincristine and is less characteristic compared to the neurological symptoms. Diarrhea is also a side effect associated with various chemotherapy agents but is not distinctly linked to vincristine. Chest pain is not typical for vincristine therapy and would warrant further investigation unrelated to the medication effects. Therefore, the focus after administration of vincristine is especially on monitoring for any sensory changes like numbness and tingling, as this aligns with known pharmacological side effects.