What is a common side effect experienced by patients receiving chemotherapy?

What is a common side effect experienced by patients receiving chemotherapy?

• A. Increased hair growth
• B. Weight gain
• C. Nausea and vomiting
• D. Improved appetite

Answer: (C)

Nausea and vomiting are well-known side effects of chemotherapy due to the way these treatments target rapidly dividing cancer cells, which can also affect the normal cells in the gastrointestinal tract. Chemotherapy disrupts the lining of the stomach and intestines, leading to inflammation and irritation, which triggers these common symptoms. Anticipating and managing such side effects is critical in the care of patients undergoing chemotherapy, often involving the use of antiemetic medications to help mitigate these effects. In contrast, side effects like increased hair growth or improved appetite are not typically associated with chemotherapy, as most treatments lead to hair loss and decreased appetite instead. Similarly, while weight gain can occur in certain circumstances during cancer treatment, it is not a common side effect directly associated with chemotherapy itself.

Nausea and vomiting are well-known side effects of chemotherapy due to the way these treatments target rapidly dividing cancer cells, which can also affect the normal cells in the gastrointestinal tract. Chemotherapy disrupts the lining of the stomach and intestines, leading to inflammation and irritation, which triggers these common symptoms. Anticipating and managing such side effects is critical in the care of patients undergoing chemotherapy, often involving the use of antiemetic medications to help mitigate these effects.

In contrast, side effects like increased hair growth or improved appetite are not typically associated with chemotherapy, as most treatments lead to hair loss and decreased appetite instead. Similarly, while weight gain can occur in certain circumstances during cancer treatment, it is not a common side effect directly associated with chemotherapy itself.