CTCAE grading of bruising:
Grade 1 (Mild): Localized or in dependent area
Grade 2 (Moderate): Generalized
Characterize the symptom (onset, pace)
Ask the patient:
Do you have any kidney/liver problems? Are you on blood thinners? Is this a new or worsening symptom? When did it start or get worse? Has it developed gradually or suddenly?
Grade the symptom
Ask the patient:
Please send a photo, if possible. Where are you bruising? How many bruises do you have?
Ask the patient:
Do you have any pain in your abdomen (belly), bloating, sleepiness, or yellowing of skin? Is your thinking clear or do you feel foggy?
Consider the following in individualizing the intervention: Is the patient a good or poor historian? Any language barriers or cognitive deficits? Is the patient reliable (able to carry out treatment recommendations)? Does this patient have alcohol/substance abuse issues? Does the patient have transportation? Is there sufficient caregiver support?
A patient with moderate bruising should be seen.
Patients with any of the red-flag symptoms need to be seen immediately.
[tab category='Hepatotoxicity' header="Hepatotoxicity - Nursing Assessment" tab1='Look' tab2='Listen' tab3='Recognize'][tab category='Nephritis' header="Nephritis - Nursing Assessment" tab1='Look' tab2='Listen' tab3='Recognize']
What do you suspect is the cause of increased bruising?