For a patient with ovarian cancer being treated with paclitaxel, which finding should the nurse report as a priority?

In patients undergoing treatment with paclitaxel for conditions such as ovarian cancer, monitoring for cardiovascular effects is essential, particularly since the drug can cause bradycardia as a side effect. Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, can lead to inadequate blood flow to vital organs, causing more severe complications such as hypotension, syncope, or even cardiac arrest. Therefore, any instance of bradycardia should be reported as a priority so that appropriate interventions can be initiated to protect the patient's cardiovascular stability.

Muscle pain, alopecia, and nausea, while significant and potentially distressing side effects, are generally considered more common and manageable symptoms associated with chemotherapy treatment. These symptoms are typically expected and can often be addressed symptomatically, thus prioritizing bradycardia reflects a greater urgency due to its implications for the patient's immediate safety and well-being.