The nurse is caring for a patient receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer. The patient has developed a sore mouth, nausea and vomiting, and anorexia. How should the nurse respond to the patient's report of symptoms?

Question

1. "You may be developing the flu, and I can give you an antinausea medication."
2. "These are symptoms of your cancer, and more frequent oral care will help."
3. "You may be allergic to the chemotherapy. I will place a call to the health care provider."
4. "These are the expected side effects of your chemotherapy, and the health care provider has already ordered some medications that will help."

Answer 1

4
Rationale 1: These symptoms do mimic the flu, but they are more than likely effects of the chemotherapy.
Rationale 2: These are not typical cancer symptoms.
Rationale 3: These clinical manifestations are not an indication that the patient is allergic to the chemotherapy.
Rationale 4: A sore mouth, nausea and vomiting, and anorexia are common side effects of chemotherapy. Typically, health care providers write orders for medications and treatments for these clinical manifestations.