Prior to beginning radiation therapy the nurse notes that the client is taking antioxidant vitamins, A, C, and E. What side effects of taking these supplements during treatment should the nurse be alert to?
1. Immunosuppression
2. Preventing the oxidizing effects of free radicals
3. Altered bleeding
4. Increased chemotherapy levels
2
Rationale: Antioxidant vitamins may prevent the oxidizing effect of free radicals deliberately formed by radiation and some chemotherapies. Echinacea can cause immunosuppression. Garlic supplementation is noted to alter platelet function and coagulation. A variety of other herbs affect chemotherapy levels, which can lead to toxicity.
You might also like to view...
The study of complex adaptive systems helps students and nurses understand the complexity of nursing work and implications for workplace environments as they apply to which of the following standards? Select all that apply
A. Emotional maturity B. Authentic leadership C. Skilled communication D. Meaningful recognition E. Respiratory assessment F. Appropriate staffing G. True collaboration H. Effective decision-making
The nurse is caring for a patient who has a seizure disorder. The nurse notes that the patient has reddened gums that bleed when oral care is given. The nurse recognizes this finding as
a. an adverse effect of the phenytoin. b. a drug interaction with aspirin. c. a symptom of hepatotoxicity. d. a sign of poor self-care.
An elderly client is admitted with worsening dementia. Which of the following health problems should the nurse consider as causing this client's dementia?
1. Depression 2. Alzheimer's disease 3. Memory impairment 4. Alcohol withdrawal
A patient with a compromised immune system is admitted to the hospital with an infection. What care should the nurse expect this patient to require?
A. Placement in a semiprivate room B. Placement in respiratory isolation C. Isolation techniques to protect the patient from further infection D. Early discharge to recover from the infection at home