Question

What is appropriate for the nurse to teach the patient who is receiving the first round of chemotherapy?

Select one:
a. Report black, tarry stools.
b. Decrease calorie intake to prevent excess weight gain.
c. Limit fluid intake to reduce nausea and vomiting.
d. Contraceptive measures can be discontinued as soon as chemotherapy is completed.

Answer 1

The nurse should teach the patient to report black, tarry stools, limit consumption of salty foods, and continue using contraception even after chemotherapy.

Step-by-step explanation:

For a patient receiving the first round of chemotherapy, it is important for the nurse to provide appropriate education. One important thing for the nurse to teach the patient is to report black, tarry stools. This can be a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding, which can occur as a side effect of chemotherapy. The nurse should also teach the patient to limit consumption of salty foods and foods processed with salt (sodium). This is important to manage fluid balance and prevent fluid retention, which can be a concern during chemotherapy. Lastly, the nurse should emphasize to the patient that contraceptive measures cannot be discontinued as soon as chemotherapy is completed. Chemotherapy drugs can remain in the body for some time and can potentially harm a developing fetus if the patient becomes pregnant during this period. Therefore, it is important for the patient to continue using contraception as advised by their healthcare provider.