Develop a teaching plan for R.T. focusing on the common effects of diarrhea, alopecia, and

Question

nausea and vomiting.
Diarrhea:

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

• Follow the prescribed antidiarrheal medication regimen.
• Notify the physician if he experiences more than six loose stools per day.
• Eat five or six small meals each day, instead of three big meals.
• Eat easy-to-digest foods such as bananas, applesauce, white rice, and white toast.
• Drink more liquids (up to 8 to 12 cups) each day to help replace fluids the patient is losing. Clear
broth, gelatin, and Pedialyte are good choices.
• Avoid foods that make diarrhea worse: dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and sour cream, and;
spicy, greasy, or fried foods.
• Avoid foods that cause gas, such as broccoli and cabbage.
• Increase the dietary intake of foods high in fiber, such as whole-wheat breads, granola, and bran
cereals.
Alopecia: Gradual and complete scalp and body hair loss will occur; hair will return 2 to 3 months
after completion of chemotherapy. Wear a hat or scarf to protect the head from heat, cold, and sun
exposure when outdoors. Use mild shampoos for head hygiene.
Nausea and vomiting: Take prescribed antiemetics before and after chemotherapy infusion. If nausea
occurs during chemotherapy, avoid eating 1 to 2 hours before treatments. If vomiting continues
for longer than 24 hours, notify the physician or nurse so the hydration status can be assessed.
With regard to eating:
• Eat six to eight small meals a day, instead of three large meals.
• Eat dry foods, such as crackers, toast, dry cereals, or bread sticks, on waking and every few hours
during the day. Try bland, soft, easy-to-digest foods on scheduled treatment days. Foods such as
cream of wheat and chicken noodle soup with saltine crackers are easier to keep down than heavy
meals.
• Avoid foods that have a strong odor or are hot and spicy, overly sweet, greasy, or fried.
• If he needs to rest, he should sit up or recline with the head raised for at least an hour after eating.
• Sip clear liquids (broth, sport drinks, water, juice, gelatin, and popsicles) frequently to prevent
dehydration.
• Avoid eating in a room that is warm or that has cooking odors or other smells. Cook outside on the
grill or use boiling bags to reduce cooking odors.
• Rinse the mouth with a baking soda and salt mouthwash before and after meals.
• Suck on hard candy, such as peppermint or lemon, if there is a bad taste in the mouth.