Describe the GI side effects of chemotherapy and how they can be managed.

What will be an ideal response?


Antineoplastic agents target those cells that have a high replication rate including those in the GI tract, resulting in diarrhea. In addition, these drugs, especially antimetabolites (e.g., 5-fluorouracil), inhibit mitosis in rapidly proliferating crypt cells, leading to a disproportionate increase in the number of immature crypt cells. The patient with diarrhea should be encouraged to drink small amounts of fluid frequently throughout the day. Large amounts of fruit juices should be avoided as excessive fructose can exacerbate diarrhea. Clear liquid nutritional beverages and other oral rehydration fluids are recommended. Patients should be encouraged to use antidiarrheal medications as prescribed by their physicians. Instructing the patient to increase his or her intake of foods high in soluble fiber may also help with the treatment of diarrhea.

Nutritional Science

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Hyaline deposits are a mixture of what types of compounds?

A. collagen, fibrin, amyloid B. fatty acids, connective tissue, epithelium  C. connective tissue, scar tissue, cholesterol D. scar tissue, fibrin, fatty acids E. collagen, cholesterol, epithelium

Nutritional Science

Iron plays a role in all of the following functions EXCEPT

A. oxygen transport. B. cognitive development. C. immune function. D. synthesis of thyroid hormones.

Nutritional Science

Zinc supplements have been used to lessen the length and severity of colds because they have

been shown to A) reduce stress. B) inhibit the replication of viruses. C) increase the synthesis of vitamin C. D) destroy streptococcus bacteria.

Nutritional Science

The current AMDR for fat for toddlers is

A) 20-30%. B) 30-40%. C) 10-20%. D) 40-50%%.

Nutritional Science