Assessment of renal function in the patient receiving chemotherapy

With foresight, knowledge, and an awareness of the problem, nephrotoxicity associated with chemotherapy can be prevented or minimized, thereby avoiding irreversible renal failure or death. Careful assessment of those patients at risk for renal damage and the identification of early signs/symptoms of renal impairment are key steps in the prevention and early detection of renal dysfunction. The purpose of this article is to describe the clinical and laboratory manifestations of renal toxicity, as well as the nurse's role in the assessment of nephrotoxicity.