Question

If your Ct is experiencing hot flashes from tamoxifen, what should you encourage the client to do?

Option 1: Increase caffeine intake
Option 2: Use a cooling fan
Option 3: Avoid cold drinks
Option 4: Take a hot bath

Answer 1

To manage hot flashes from tamoxifen, using a cooling fan is beneficial. It's important to avoid factors that can worsen hot flashes, such as increased caffeine intake or hot baths.

Step-by-step explanation:

If your client is experiencing hot flashes from tamoxifen, the most appropriate recommendation would be Option 2: Use a cooling fan. This is because tamoxifen, a medication commonly prescribed after breast cancer to block estrogen, can cause menopausal-like side effects, including hot flashes. To alleviate these symptoms, environmental adjustments like using a cooling fan or dressing in layers can be helpful. It’s also advisable to reduce intake of hot and spicy foods, decrease consumption of caffeine and alcohol, and maintain a cool environment in the sleeping area.

Increasing caffeine intake (Option 1) can actually exacerbate hot flashes rather than help. Avoiding cold drinks (Option 3) is not necessary and doesn't provide relief from hot flashes. Taking a hot bath (Option 4) can trigger or worsen hot flashes and is not recommended.