Queasy Does It!
(Nausea & Vomiting)
(Nausea & Vomiting)
This type of nausea and vomiting occurs within 24 hours of chemotherapy administration
What is acute CINV (Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting)?
This common class of pain medications is a frequent cause of constipation in oncology patients.
The use of an anti-fungal swish and swallow medication, like nystatin or clotrimazole troches, is a key treatment for this common oral infection
What is Oral Candidiasis (or thrush)?
The inflammation and ulceration of the mucous membranes throughout the gastrointestinal tract, often peaking 7-10 days after high-dose chemotherapy
This symptom involves an increased urge to urinate, often frequently, which can be a side effect of pelvic radiation
What is urinary urgency (or frequency)?
Besides antiemetics, a nurse can recommend this simple dietary modification to help manage nausea
What are small, frequent meals, bland foods, or avoiding strong odor, greasy/spicy foods?
When managing opioid-induced constipation, this is often prescribed to prevent hardening of the stool
What is a stool softener: lactulose and Miralax (osmotic laxative)
Bisacodyl (stimulant)
Psyllium (Bulk forming)
glycerin, bisacodyl, Lubricants
Naldemidine for opioid-induced nonresponsive to bowel regimen?
This is the medical term for the subjective sensation of mouth dryness, often caused by abnormal salivary gland function
This term describes the distorted or altered sense of taste, such as metallic or bland flavors, frequently experienced by oncology patients due to chemotherapy, radiation to the head and neck, or certain targeted therapies
In patients experiencing genitourinary toxicities, name at least two specific complications or adverse events that they are at risk of developing
What are impaired skin integrity, falls, fluid and electrolyte imbalance, or infection (UTI)?
Interventions?
This common complication of CINV can occur if fluid and electrolyte losses are not adequately managed in vulnerable oncology patients.
What is dehydration (or electrolyte imbalance)?
This common gastrointestinal side effect, often described as loose, watery stools, can be caused by certain chemotherapy agents
A non-pharmacological recommendation for a patient with xerostomia, or dry mouth, aside from increasing fluid intake
What are sugar-free candies/Gum (or Saliva substitutes/frequent water sips)?
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This term describes a general loss of appetite, a common symptom in oncology patients
What is anorexia
Cyclophosphamide (Ifosfamide) chemotherapy agent that is notoriously associated with bladder toxicity
What is hemorrhagic cystitis?
This primary antiemetic drug class that works by blocking serotonin receptors in the GI tract and the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ).
What are 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonists?
(ex. Ondansetron (Zofran) )
A condition often caused by antibiotic use during neutropenia, leading to severe, watery diarrhea and requiring contact precautions
What is Clostridioides difficile (C.diff) infection?
This is first-line therapy for xerostomia; they are systemic agents to increase saliva secretion (moderate evidence).
What are Oral sialogogues?
Pilocarpine (Salagen) and cevimeline (Evoxac) may increase salivary flow and reduce the feeling of dry mouth.
Pilocarpine—contraindicated in chronic cardiovascular or pulmonary disease, uncontrolled asthma, narrow-angle glaucoma, or taking beta-blockers.
Cevimeline has fewer side effects
Unexplained weight loss, especially significant involuntary loss, can be a red flag for cancer progression or the development of this severe form of malnutrition
Hemorrhagic cytitis is often managed by heavy hydration, and this cytoprotective drug
This common steroid is often used synergistically in antiemetic regimens to potentiate the effect of other agents.
What is dexamethasone?
This topoisomerase inhibitor is infamous for causing severe "late- onset" diarrhea, often requiring aggressive management.
What is Irinotecan?
This term describes the impaired or impossible swallowing of ingested food, medications, liquids, or even saliva
For an oncology patient unable to orally consume at least 60% of their estimated daily nutritional needs for one week, this crucial intervention should be initiated.
What are alternative feeding methods (or enteral/parenteral nutrition)?
In muscle-invasive bladder cancer requiring radical cystectomy, name one of the three main types of permanent urinary diversion procedures
What is an ileal conduit, Neobladder, or Indiana pouch?