24. Which common systemic side effect of chemotherapy will a nurse note in an oncology client?
Test-Taking Tip
Think of a common side effect—one that all clients who are on chemotherapy usually experience.
Content Area: Adult Health, Oncological; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Assessment; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies/Adverse Effects/Contraindications/Interactions
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Answer 1 is incorrect because ascites is the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal space. This may occur as the result of a disease process, such as liver failure, not from chemotherapy. Answer 2 is incorrect because septicemia is the presence of an infection in the blood. Chemotherapy can increase the client's risk of infection because of the decreased WBCs, which if not treated could result in septicemia. Answer 3 is incorrect because polycythemia is an increase in immature RBCs. Chemotherapy suppresses RBC production in the bone marrow. Answer 4 is correct because chemotherapy causes myelosuppression (depression of bone marrow function). WBCs, RBCs and platelets are decreased.
