What symptoms should a nurse monitor for a patient who has just received chemotherapy?

Monitoring symptoms after chemotherapy is crucial for patient care, as these symptoms can be indicative of the treatment's side effects. Nausea, vomiting, and fatigue are among the most common side effects experienced by patients undergoing chemotherapy. Chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cancer cells but also affects other rapidly dividing normal cells, such as those in the gastrointestinal tract and bone marrow, leading to these symptoms.

Nausea and vomiting may occur due to the direct effects of chemotherapy agents on the stomach lining and central nervous system, while fatigue often results from the impact on bone marrow function, causing decreased red blood cell production and leading to anemia. Therefore, vigilance for these symptoms allows for timely interventions, such as antiemetic medications for nausea and establishing supportive care plans for managing fatigue.

Other options may represent symptoms that are less directly associated with the immediate aftermath of chemotherapy. For instance, weight gain and hypertension may not be typical acute reactions to chemotherapy. Similarly, while skin rash and joint pain can occur, they are not as prevalent as nausea, vomiting, and fatigue post-chemotherapy. Improved appetite and energy levels would not be expected immediately following treatment, as chemotherapy often leads to the opposite effect temporarily. Thus, focusing on monitoring nausea, vomiting, and fatigue is essential