In the context of paclitaxel administration for ovarian cancer, which vital sign change should prompt immediate nursing intervention?

When administering paclitaxel for ovarian cancer, a decreased heart rate is particularly concerning and may indicate a serious adverse reaction. Paclitaxel can lead to various cardiac effects, and bradycardia (a significant reduction in heart rate) could be a sign of toxicity or an adverse effect that warrants immediate nursing intervention.

Monitoring vital signs during chemotherapy is critical, as changes can indicate complications requiring swift action. A decreased heart rate may lead to insufficient cardiac output and decreased perfusion to vital organs, making it essential for nurses to respond promptly.

In contrast, while increased respiratory rate, increased blood pressure, and decreased oxygen saturation could all represent changes that might warrant attention, they are generally less urgent than a pronounced decrease in heart rate. Increased respiratory rate could indicate anxiety, pain, or hypoxia, while increased blood pressure often relates to stress responses or pain rather than an immediate life-threatening condition. Decreased oxygen saturation is also important and may indicate respiratory compromise, but does not pertain as directly to cardiac function as heart rate changes do. Thus, a decreased heart rate stands out as a more critical sign that calls for swift nursing intervention in the context of paclitaxel administration.