During chemotherapy, what is crucial to monitor regarding a patient’s health?

During chemotherapy, what is crucial to monitor regarding a patient’s health?

• A. Only psychological health
• B. Blood cell counts and organ function
• C. Only gastrointestinal symptoms
• D. Weight alone

Answer: (B)

Monitoring blood cell counts and organ function during chemotherapy is essential due to the drugs' potential to cause significant changes in the patient's physiological status. Chemotherapy can lead to myelosuppression, which results in decreased production of blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Monitoring blood cell counts helps to identify issues like anemia, increased infection risk due to low white blood cell counts (neutropenia), and increased bleeding risks from low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia). Additionally, organ function, particularly of the liver and kidneys, is critical to monitor, as chemotherapy agents are metabolized and excreted by these organs. Impaired organ function can lead to drug toxicity, necessitating preemptive adjustments in dosage or changes in treatment plans. Overall, a comprehensive assessment of both blood cell counts and organ function provides a complete picture of the patient's health and enables timely interventions to manage complications associated with chemotherapy.

Monitoring blood cell counts and organ function during chemotherapy is essential due to the drugs' potential to cause significant changes in the patient's physiological status. Chemotherapy can lead to myelosuppression, which results in decreased production of blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Monitoring blood cell counts helps to identify issues like anemia, increased infection risk due to low white blood cell counts (neutropenia), and increased bleeding risks from low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia).

Additionally, organ function, particularly of the liver and kidneys, is critical to monitor, as chemotherapy agents are metabolized and excreted by these organs. Impaired organ function can lead to drug toxicity, necessitating preemptive adjustments in dosage or changes in treatment plans. Overall, a comprehensive assessment of both blood cell counts and organ function provides a complete picture of the patient's health and enables timely interventions to manage complications associated with chemotherapy.