Which symptom should patients be monitored for during chemotherapy treatment?

Which symptom should patients be monitored for during chemotherapy treatment?

• A. Excessive growth of hair
• B. Dehydration
• C. Increased levels of stamina
• D. Rapid weight increase

Answer: (B)

Monitoring patients for dehydration during chemotherapy treatment is crucial due to the side effects that many chemotherapy agents can induce. Chemotherapy can lead to a range of gastrointestinal issues, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which can significantly increase the risk of dehydration. Additionally, some treatments can affect kidney function or fluid balance in the body, making hydration status even more important to assess regularly. In contrast, excessive hair growth and increased stamina are not typical symptoms associated with chemotherapy, while rapid weight increase could indicate fluid retention or other health issues but is not as directly linked to the common side effects experienced during chemotherapy compared to dehydration. Therefore, focusing on hydration helps ensure proper management of symptoms and supports overall patient safety during treatment.

Monitoring patients for dehydration during chemotherapy treatment is crucial due to the side effects that many chemotherapy agents can induce. Chemotherapy can lead to a range of gastrointestinal issues, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which can significantly increase the risk of dehydration. Additionally, some treatments can affect kidney function or fluid balance in the body, making hydration status even more important to assess regularly.

In contrast, excessive hair growth and increased stamina are not typical symptoms associated with chemotherapy, while rapid weight increase could indicate fluid retention or other health issues but is not as directly linked to the common side effects experienced during chemotherapy compared to dehydration. Therefore, focusing on hydration helps ensure proper management of symptoms and supports overall patient safety during treatment.