Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) Certification Practice Test 2026 - Free AOCNP Practice Questions and Study Guide

Doxorubicin, also known as Adriamycin, is a chemotherapeutic agent that is well-documented for its potential to cause significant cardiotoxicity. This is primarily due to its ability to generate free radicals, which can lead to damage in cardiac muscle cells, ultimately resulting in cardiomyopathy and heart failure in some patients. Monitoring cardiac function through methods such as echocardiograms or ejection fraction assessments is imperative when patients are being treated with doxorubicin, especially at higher cumulative doses.

In contrast, while the other agents listed can have their own side effect profiles, they are not as prominently associated with severe long-term cardiac toxicity as doxorubicin. Cyclophosphamide can have effects on the bladder among other systems, docetaxel is more related to neutropenia and peripheral neuropathy, and 5-fluorouracil primarily leads to gastrointestinal toxicities and hand-foot syndrome rather than cardiac issues. Understanding the specific risks associated with each chemotherapy agent is crucial for risk assessment and management in oncology nursing practice.