Patients taking bleomycin should be monitored for which potential side effect?

Patients taking bleomycin should be monitored for pulmonary fibrosis because this medication is known to have a significant risk of causing lung toxicity. Bleomycin can lead to inflammation and scarring of lung tissue, which may manifest as bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Symptoms can include cough, dyspnea, and decreased exercise tolerance, and the risk increases with cumulative doses and in patients with pre-existing lung issues or those who smoke.

Monitoring for pulmonary complications is essential in these patients, as early detection can help mitigate the impact on lung function. In some cases, patients may require respiratory function tests to assess their lung capacity and identify any early signs of pulmonary damage. Managing the risk associated with bleomycin is crucial to ensuring patient safety and minimizing long-term complications related to lung health.