Share This Link

Relief of nasal congestion:Dextromethorphan is not typically used for relieving nasal congestion. Decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine, are more commonly used for this purpose.

Thinning of secretions:Dextromethorphan does not have a direct effect on thinning secretions. Expectorants, like guaifenesin, are often used for this purpose.

Bronchodilation:
Dextromethorphan is not known for its bronchodilator effects. Bronchodilators, such as albuterol, are used for widening the airways in conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Decrease viral load:This is a goal typically associated with antiviral medications, which aim to reduce the amount of virus in the body, commonly seen in the treatment of viral infections like HIV.

Kill tumor cells:This is the goal of many cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. These treatments aim to destroy or inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

Increase body defenses:
This is a goal often associated with immunotherapy, which aims to enhance the body's immune system to better recognize and attack cancer cells or other pathogens.

because many chemotherapy patients require blood transfusions:
While some chemotherapy patients may require blood transfusions, this is not the primary reason for using intravenous ports, central lines, or peripherally inserted central lines.

because many chemotherapy patients need long-term intravenous access:Long-term intravenous access may be needed for some chemotherapy patients, but the critical consideration is the vesicant nature of many chemotherapy drugs.

because chemotherapy patients have frequent blood draws orders:Frequent blood draws may be necessary for monitoring purposes, but the primary reason for using specialized lines in chemotherapy patients is to administer the drugs safely.

“Chemotherapy is excreted in my bodily fluids.”:This statement is correct. Chemotherapy drugs can be excreted in various bodily fluids, such as urine, sweat, and saliva. Patients are advised to take precautions to avoid exposing others to these bodily fluids during and shortly after chemotherapy.

“My spouse will wear gloves when emptying my urinal.”:
This statement is correct. To reduce the risk of exposure to chemotherapy drugs in urine, it is advisable for caregivers, such as spouses, to wear gloves when handling bodily fluids.

“The chemotherapy will remain in my body for 2-3 days.”:This statement is correct. The duration during which chemotherapy remains in the body can vary depending on the specific drugs administered. Patients are typically provided with guidelines on how long they need to take precautions to minimize exposure to others.

Evaluate gastrointestinal function:While gastrointestinal function is important to assess for side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea and vomiting, monitoring for potential infection (fever) takes precedence in the context of myelosuppressive chemotherapy.

Assess for evidence of cardiac compromise:Myelosuppression primarily affects the hematopoietic system, and assessing for cardiac compromise is not the priority in this situation.

Question about changes in taste or smell:
Changes in taste or smell are common side effects of chemotherapy, but they are not as critical as monitoring for signs of infection, especially fever.

Avoid elevated altitudes of greater than 2,000 feet (if possible) and air travel for 2-4 weeks (depending on the oncologist’s advice):Altitude and air travel restrictions are not common recommendations after completing chemotherapy.

Avoid foods high in purine for 30-90 days (depending on the oncologist’s advice):Restrictions on foods high in purine are not typically associated with post-chemotherapy care.

Have a solid plan for contraception for 3 months to 2 years (depending on the oncologist’s advice):Contraception considerations may be important, but the timeframe mentioned is not a standard recommendation following chemotherapy completion. The need for contraception may vary depending on the patient's overall health, reproductive goals, and specific chemotherapy drugs received. This decision is usually discussed with the healthcare provider on an individual basis.

Administer phenergan (Promethazine) 12.5 mg IVP at the first complaint of nausea.This option suggests waiting until the patient complains of nausea before administering the antiemetic. It is not a proactive approach and may not effectively prevent nausea associated with chemotherapy.

Administer ondansetron (Zofran) 4mg IV Push after Ms. Samuels complains of nausea.Similar to option A, this choice involves waiting for the patient to experience nausea before administering the medication. Again, it is not a proactive strategy for preventing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

Administer phenergan (Promethazine) 25 mg PO at 1345.This choice involves administering the antiemetic (phenergan) orally just 15 minutes before the scheduled chemotherapy session. While it is better than waiting for symptoms to appear, oral medications may take some time to be absorbed, and it might not provide as rapid relief as an intravenous (IV) medication.

“Do you think you and your daughter may have time to go shopping for a wig between now and the time you begin treatment?”This option recognizes the patient's concern about hair loss and offers a practical suggestion for preparing for it. It shows empathy and support by involving a family member in the process of coping with potential hair loss.

“Most patients just wear a hat or turban and just let their hair grow back following treatment.”This statement provides an alternative approach to dealing with hair loss by suggesting the use of head coverings like hats or turbans. It emphasizes the temporary nature of the hair loss during treatment.

“Just pray about it.”This option suggests relying on prayer as a sole coping mechanism, which may not address the patient's emotional concerns effectively. While spirituality and prayer can be important for some individuals, it's essential to provide practical and emotional support as well.

Staying hydrated decreases oral dryness that the patient may exhibit as a result of chemotherapy.While hydration is generally important for overall well-being, oral dryness is not typically a direct consequence of bladder cancer chemotherapy. It might be a side effect of certain medications, but the primary concern in this case is likely related to preventing TLS.

To help prevent new onset diabetes mellitus.
The rationale for fluid intake in the context of bladder cancer chemotherapy is not typically related to preventing new onset diabetes mellitus. The primary focus is usually on managing potential side effects of chemotherapy and promoting overall health.

Because it is better to encourage water Vs. carbonated beverages.While encouraging water over carbonated beverages is generally a healthy choice, the primary rationale for increased fluid intake in the context of bladder cancer chemotherapy is more specific and related to preventing Tumor Lysis Syndrome.