A nurse is discussing alopecia with a client who is to begin chemotherapy. Which statement should the nurse include?

A. "Hair loss is almost always permanent.": Chemotherapy-induced alopecia is temporary. Hair follicles are damaged by cytotoxic drugs, leading to hair shedding, but most clients experience regrowth several weeks to months after treatment ends. Permanent hair loss is uncommon and usually associated with high-dose chemotherapy or radiation therapy to the scalp. B. "Any hair regrowth is usually the same color and texture as before.": Hair regrowth after chemotherapy may initially differ in texture or color. It can be softer, curlier, or a slightly different shade, and may gradually return to the client’s original hair characteristics over time. Telling clients that regrowth will be exactly the same could create unrealistic expectations. C. "If hair loss occurs, it may include eyebrows and eyelashes.": Chemotherapy can affect all rapidly dividing cells, including those in hair follicles on the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, and other body hair. Clients should be informed that hair loss is not limited to the scalp, so they can prepare for changes in appearance and take protective measures such as eye protection or wigs. D. "Alopecia is a rare side effect of chemotherapy.": Alopecia is actually one of the most common and visible side effects of many chemotherapeutic agents. It affects a majority of clients receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy and is an expected and predictable reaction rather than a rare occurrence.