Question

The nurse is providing teaching to a client who has been prescribed cyclophosphamide for breast cancer treatment. Which of the following statements made by the client would indicate that additional teaching is needed?

A
"I will probably need to plan on using a wig to cover my hair loss."
B
"I may have trouble getting pregnant due to the damaging effects of the medication."
C
"I will need to stay away from children when my white blood cell count is low."
D
"I should limit the amount of fluids I drink while taking this medication."

Answer 1

The statement that needs additional teaching is the recommendation to limit fluid intake, as it is important for patients on cyclophosphamide to stay hydrated to prevent bladder issues and maintain kidney function. the correct answer is D.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct statement indicating that additional teaching is needed is: "I should limit the amount of fluids I drink while taking this medication." Cyclophosphamide is a chemotherapy drug used for the treatment of various cancers, including breast cancer. Chemotherapy drugs can cause a range of side effects due to their effect on rapidly dividing cells.

This includes hair loss, as chemotherapy can damage hair follicles, and a temporary reduction in white blood cell count, which can weaken the immune system. Furthermore, these drugs often affect the reproductive system, potentially leading to sterility. However, it’s important for patients taking cyclophosphamide to stay well hydrated to help prevent bladder complications and to maintain renal function. Therefore, advising to limit fluid intake indicates a misunderstanding and requires further education.