What might a nurse observe when administering L-asparaginase to a patient?

When administering L-asparaginase to a patient, the nurse should be particularly vigilant for signs of an allergic reaction. L-asparaginase is known to potentially cause hypersensitivity reactions, which can range from mild to severe. Symptoms of an allergic reaction might include urticaria (hives), rash, itching, fever, and in more severe cases, anaphylaxis with difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate, or hypotension.

Monitoring for these reactions is crucial because they may require immediate medical intervention, such as stopping the medication and administering antihistamines or other appropriate treatments. The timing of this monitoring is also important, as allergic reactions can occur at any time during treatment, often within minutes to hours after administration.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the common reactions seen with L-asparaginase administration. While some patients may experience increased energy levels over time as their overall health improves, this is not a direct or immediate effect of the drug. Improved respiratory rates or decreased pain levels are also not expected immediate outcomes associated with this specific medication, making the recognition of allergic reactions a key consideration for nurses administering L-asparaginase.