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.
This is the medical term for the subjective sensation of mouth dryness, often caused by abnormal salivary gland function.
This symptom involves an increased urge to urinate, often frequently, which can be a side effect of some cancer treatments.
What is urinary urgency (or frequency)?
The inflammation and ulceration of the mucous membranes throughout the gastrointestinal tract, often peaking 7-10 days after high-dose chemotherapy.
Besides antiemetics, a nurse might recommend this simple dietary modification, such as bland foods or avoiding strong odors, to help manage nausea.
What are small, frequent meals (or avoiding greasy/spicy foods)?
This common gastrointestinal side effect, often described as loose, watery stools, can be caused by certain chemotherapy agents.
This term describes the impaired or impossible swallowing of ingested food, medications, liquids, or even saliva.
Oncology patients experiencing genitourinary toxicities are particularly vulnerable. Name at least two specific complications or adverse events that they are at risk for developing.
What are impaired skin integrity, falls, fluid and electrolyte imbalance, or infection (UTI)?
This term describes a general loss of appetite, a common symptom in oncology patients.
This common complication of CINV can occur if fluid and electrolyte losses are not adequately managed, especially in vulnerable oncology patients.
What is dehydration (or electrolyte imbalance)?
When managing opioid-induced constipation, a stimulant laxative like senna or bisacodyl is often prescribed along with this type of agent to prevent hardening of the stool.
What is a stool softener (or osmotic laxative like polyethylene glycol)?
A non-pharmacological recommendation for a patient with xerostomia, or dry mouth, aside from increasing fluid intake.
This bladder related toxicity is often managed by heavy hydration and a drug called Mesna.
Unexplained weight loss, especially significant involuntary loss, can be a red flag for cancer progression or the development of this severe form of malnutrition.
What is cachexia?
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 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
This chemotherapy agent is notoriously associated with hemorrhagic cystitis, requiring prophylactic measures like mesna.
What is cyclophosphamide (or ifosfamide)?
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.
This common steroid 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?
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)?
What is an ileal conduit, Neobladder or Indiana pouch?
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)?