NursingPlex
    Sign In
    Ati pharmacology proctored exam
    Select All That Apply

    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. Nausea: Nausea is one of the most common and well-known side effects of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy drugs target rapidly dividing cells, and the gastrointestinal tract is one of the areas with high cell turnover, making it susceptible to the effects of chemotherapy. Nausea can be severe, but it can usually be managed with antiemetic medications. Educating the client about potential nausea and how to manage it is important for preparing them for the treatment experience. B. Bleeding: Chemotherapy can lead to a reduction in the number of platelets in the blood, a condition known as thrombocytopenia. This decreases the blood's ability to clot, increasing the risk of bleeding and bruising. Clients should be educated to watch for signs of bleeding, such as unusual bruising, blood in urine or stool, or prolonged bleeding from cuts. It is crucial to monitor platelet counts during chemotherapy. C. Urinary Frequency: Urinary frequency is not a common or typical side effect of chemotherapy in general. While certain chemotherapy drugs (e.g., cyclophosphamide) may cause bladder irritation or hematuria, increased urinary frequency is not a widespread concern for most chemotherapy regimens. If a client experiences urinary symptoms, they should be evaluated for other causes, but this is not a primary side effect of chemotherapy. D. Bone marrow suppression: Bone marrow suppression is a significant and well-documented adverse effect of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy targets all rapidly dividing cells, including those in the bone marrow, leading to decreased production of red blood cells (anemia), white blood cells (neutropenia), and platelets (thrombocytopenia). This increases the risk of infection, anemia, and bleeding. It is essential to educate clients on the potential for bone marrow suppression and the need for regular blood count monitoring during treatment. E. Extrapyramidal symptoms: Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia, are typically associated with certain medications, especially antipsychotic drugs, and are not a common side effect of chemotherapy. While some chemotherapy drugs can cause central nervous system effects, EPS is not generally a concern with the majority of chemotherapy regimens. Therefore, this is not a primary focus of client education for chemotherapy. F. Alopecia: Alopecia (hair loss) is a well-known side effect of many chemotherapy drugs. Because chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells, hair follicles are often affected, leading to hair loss, which can be distressing for patients. Clients should be educated that hair loss is temporary in most cases, and hair typically regrows after the completion of chemotherapy. Managing expectations and providing emotional support regarding hair loss is an important part of chemotherapy education.

    🔒 Submit your answer to reveal