Question

You are working with a patient at home on occasion while they are undergoing a 3-week bout of chemotherapy treatments. You notice that sometimes they are forgetful or "foggy," but that it does not seem to be an overall change in mentation. You might suspect that this patient is experiencing what?

A) Chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment
B) Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy
C) Chemotherapy-induced anemia
D) Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
E) None of the above

Answer 1

Chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment, commonly known as 'chemo brain' or 'chemo fog,' is likely what the patient is experiencing as it involves occasional memory and concentration issues without an overall change in mentation.

Step-by-step explanation:

If you are working with a patient undergoing chemotherapy treatments and note occasional forgetfulness or "foggy" moments without an overall change in mentation, it is possible you are observing chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment. This condition, often referred to as chemo brain or chemo fog, is characterized by cognitive changes that can occur during and after chemotherapy treatment. The symptoms can include issues with memory, concentration, and the ability to execute tasks.

Given that chemotherapy can impact rapidly dividing cells, besides cancer cells, normal body tissues can also be affected. This includes the intestinal lining, hair follicles, taste buds, and even brain cells, which may lead to cognitive impairment. Moreover, the condition of anemia, which involves a shortage of red blood cells (erythrocytes), can be a side effect of chemotherapy and could theoretically contribute to feelings of tiredness and cognitive fog.