Effects on the Side
What is the most common side effect for chemotherapy?
Nausea and Vomiting
What is a pertinent part of mouth care at home?
Soft tooth brush, gentle flossing, and rinse mouth with normal saline
What is a common medication used for nausea and vomiting?
Zofran
What foods do you need to avoid while on chemotherapy to reduce stomatitis?
Spicy food
What document may a cancer patient have when they reach the terminal stage?
DNR
What gastrointestinal side effects go along with chemotherapy?
N, V, Constipation and Diarrhea
What would a man on chemotherapy groom with?
Electric shaver
What medication can be prescribed to reduce stomatitis?
Magic mouthwash
4-6 small, frequent meals
What is the underlying reason for common side effects from chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy attacks fast growing cells causing the side effect
What side effect causes loss of feeling in hands and feet?
Peripheral neuropathy
What should a patient do to protect their feet?
Well fitted closed-toe shoes
What prescribed medication stops diarrhea?
Lomotol
What type of supplements do you need to avoid taking while on chemo?
Herbal
What are 3 common complications from chemotherapy?
Hair loss, nausea, vomiting, neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia
What is a common cause of loss of appetite?
Mouth Sores
What vaccines should you avoid?
Live vaccines
What medication that is used for chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy?
Gabapentin
What would you use for supplemental nutrition for chemotherapy patients?
Ensure or Boost
What specific infection can cause Sepsis in cancer patients? (Would cause them to be on contact isolation)
MRSA
What symptom of chemotherapy would cause a patient to become extremely fatigued?
Anemia
Explain neutropenic precautions.
No fresh flowers or plants, limit fresh produce, infection control measures
What medication is used for neutropenia from chemotherapy and what is a common side effect that indicates efficacy of the medication?
Colony Stimulating Factors like figlrastim and pegfigastim; bone pain from marrow expansion
What are two drinks to avoid while on chemotherapy?
Alcohol and caffeine
Explain how to teach clients to manage thrombocytopenia from chemotherapy?
Use soft bristle tooth brush, avoid flossing teeth, report signs of bleeding like bruising, nosebleeds, tarry stools