The nurse receives a call from an 82-year-old patient with advanced prostate cancer who is being treated with Eligard (leuprolide) therapy. Which of the following statements requires immediate notification of the physician?
A) "I've been having hot flashes lately, what should I do?"
B) "The pain in my bones seems worse since I started this medication."
C) "I forgot to get my shot 3 hours ago like I usually do, so I was going to take it now; is that okay?"
D) "My legs feel numb and weak; is that normal with this medication?"

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Numbness and weakness in the legs may be a sign of a serious side effect of Eligard therapy known as spinal cord compression. This requires immediate notification of the physician as urgent intervention may prevent permanent damage. The other statements may require physician notification, but they are not as urgent.

The Nurse Receives a Call from an 82-Year-Old Patient with Advanced