A client who is newly diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer is being prepared for chemotherapy. Which of the following adverse effects below should the nurse educate the client regarding chemotherapy? (Select All that Apply.)
Explanation & Rationale
A. Alopecia: Alopecia is a common side effect of chemotherapy because these medications target rapidly dividing cells, including hair follicles. B. Bone marrow suppression: Chemotherapy can cause bone marrow suppression, leading to decreased production of blood cells, increasing the risk of anemia, infections, and bleeding. C. Extrapyramidal symptoms: Extrapyramidal symptoms are associated with antipsychotic medications, not chemotherapy. They include symptoms like tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia. D. Bleeding: Due to bone marrow suppression, chemotherapy can decrease platelet counts, increasing the risk of bleeding. E. Nausea: Nausea and vomiting are common adverse effects of chemotherapy due to the irritation of the gastrointestinal lining and activation of the vomiting center in the brain.