Intravenous foscarnet administration for treatment of cytomegalovirus retinitis.

ABSTRACT

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) causes serious infections, particularly vision-threatening retinitis, in persons with acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Foscarnet has been demonstrated to delay the progression of CMV retinitis and is an alternative to ganciclovir. Adverse reactions to foscarnet include nephrotoxicity and hypocalcemia and can impact the patient's ability to tolerate treatment. Nursing implications and interventions essential in helping the patient achieve an optimal outcome also are presented.