OCC Chemotherapy-Induced Side Effects Management Flashcards

Which dietary instruction is MOST appropriate for a patient with chemotherapy-induced taste alterations (dysgeusia)?

Answer: Experiment with cold or room-temperature foods and plastic utensils

Cold or room-temperature foods produce fewer odors and metallic tastes, and plastic utensils reduce the metallic taste often associated with chemotherapy.

A patient receiving docetaxel develops periorbital edema and weight gain of 5 lbs in one week. What does the nurse recognize?

Answer: Capillary leak syndrome related to fluid accumulation

Docetaxel causes fluid retention and capillary leak syndrome manifesting as peripheral edema, pleural effusion, and weight gain.

Which intervention is MOST effective in preventing chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity in patients receiving doxorubicin?

Answer: Monitoring cumulative lifetime dose and performing baseline echocardiography

Tracking cumulative lifetime dose (not to exceed 550 mg/m²) and baseline/periodic echocardiography are the primary strategies to prevent doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy.

A patient reports severe burning at the IV site during vincristine infusion. The nurse notes swelling and blanching. What is the IMMEDIATE action?

Answer: Stop the infusion, disconnect the IV, aspirate residual drug, and notify the provider

These signs indicate extravasation; the infusion must be stopped immediately and residual drug aspirated before any other intervention to minimize tissue damage.

What is the primary nursing goal when managing chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia with a platelet count of 15,000/mm³?

Answer: Prevent hemorrhage through bleeding precautions and fall prevention

With a critically low platelet count, hemorrhage prevention through strict bleeding precautions and fall prevention is the top nursing priority.

Which patient statement about managing chemotherapy-induced constipation indicates a need for further teaching?

Answer: I should take an over-the-counter enema if I miss more than one day

Enemas are contraindicated in neutropenic or thrombocytopenic cancer patients due to risk of infection and rectal bleeding.