What common side effect is associated with chemotherapy?

What common side effect is associated with chemotherapy?

• A. Weight gain
• B. Hair growth
• C. Nausea and vomiting
• D. Increased energy levels

Answer: (C)

Nausea and vomiting are among the most common side effects associated with chemotherapy due to the way the treatment affects rapidly dividing cells in the body. Chemotherapy drugs target not only cancer cells but also other healthy cells that divide quickly, such as those in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. This can lead to irritation and inflammation, resulting in symptoms like nausea and vomiting. In addition to the physiological effects, the psychological impact of chemotherapy can also contribute to feelings of nausea. Health care providers often proactively manage these side effects with medications such as antiemetics to help alleviate discomfort for patients undergoing treatment. Other options, such as weight gain or increased energy levels, are not typically associated with chemotherapy. Many patients experience weight loss or decreased energy due to the side effects of treatment, including loss of appetite, fatigue, and general malaise. Hair growth may occur after the cessation of chemotherapy as the body recovers, but during treatment, many patients experience hair loss. Understanding these common side effects is critical for managing the overall care and expectations of patients receiving chemotherapy.

Nausea and vomiting are among the most common side effects associated with chemotherapy due to the way the treatment affects rapidly dividing cells in the body. Chemotherapy drugs target not only cancer cells but also other healthy cells that divide quickly, such as those in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. This can lead to irritation and inflammation, resulting in symptoms like nausea and vomiting.

In addition to the physiological effects, the psychological impact of chemotherapy can also contribute to feelings of nausea. Health care providers often proactively manage these side effects with medications such as antiemetics to help alleviate discomfort for patients undergoing treatment.

Other options, such as weight gain or increased energy levels, are not typically associated with chemotherapy. Many patients experience weight loss or decreased energy due to the side effects of treatment, including loss of appetite, fatigue, and general malaise. Hair growth may occur after the cessation of chemotherapy as the body recovers, but during treatment, many patients experience hair loss. Understanding these common side effects is critical for managing the overall care and expectations of patients receiving chemotherapy.