Nursing Role in the Management of Intravenous Cytostatic Drugs: Risk Control to Optimize the Quality of Care Section: TEACHING TO LEARN How to quote Sánchez Campo ML, Ibáñez Díaz I, Moreno Calvete MC. Rol de enfermería en el manejo de citostáticos intravenosos: del control de riesgos a la optimización de la calidad en los cuidados. Rev. Educare21 2013; 11(2). [En línea] [fecha de acceso: 1 de febrero de 2013]. URL disponible en: http://www.enfermeria21.com/publicaciones/educare/ Authors1María Leyre Sánchez Campo, 2Iratxe Ibáñez Díaz, 3María Concepción Moreno Calvete Position 1Enfermera del Hospital de San Eloy.2Enfermera del Hospital de Cruces.3Red de Salud Mental de Bizkaia. Bilbao, España. Contact email: kontxi.moreno@gmail.com Abstract The intravenous administration of cytostatic drugs is, is for the nurse a risky activity. In order to optimize the care to reduce risks, proper training must be giving to professionals as they must know the complications and risks as well as be motivated to prevent and minimize their occurrence with appropriate working methods. ObjectivesTo provide expertise for safe handling of intravenous cytostatic drugs. To describe the risks associated with intravenous administration of cytostatic drugs and to analyze the prevention and treatment of extravasation of cytostatic drugs.MethodologyA review of bibliographic material was carried out. The databases Scielo and My Athens were used. The search words "cytostatic" and "handling cytostatic drugs" were used, as well as manuals, guidelines and protocols. The search was conducted in the month of January 2012. ResultsTo acquire adequate knowledge, the risks associated with intravenous administration of cytostatic drugs, the safe handling of these drugs and protective measures were described. Those patients with an increased risk of extravasation, warning signs and symptoms for early detection and treatment measures were addressed. ConclusionsThe handling and administration of cytostatic drugs, because of their risks and complications, is a technique that requires adequate knowledge for proper prevention and rapid action by the nurse. The patient information and training on all aspects related to their treatment contribute positively to risk control and optimize the quality of care. Keywords: Intravenous cytostatics drugs; prevention; riskssecurity Versión en Español Título: Rol de enfermería en el manejo de citostáticos intravenosos: del control de riesgos a la optimización de la calidad en los cuidados