What is a potential risk associated with chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is a powerful treatment used to combat cancer, but it comes with a range of potential risks and side effects due to its effects on rapidly dividing cells in the body, not just the cancer cells. Hair loss and nausea are two of the most common side effects associated with chemotherapy.

Hair loss occurs because chemotherapy drugs often target all rapidly dividing cells, including those in hair follicles. When these cells are affected, it leads to hair thinning or complete loss, which can be distressing for patients. Nausea is another frequent side effect, as chemotherapy can irritate the stomach lining and disrupt normal digestive processes, leading to feelings of unease or discomfort. Addressing these symptoms is an essential part of oncology nursing care, as managing side effects can significantly improve a patient's quality of life during treatment.

In contrast, decreased blood pressure is not a typical risk associated with chemotherapy; instead, some patients might experience changes in blood pressure due to other factors, such as hydration status. Improved immunity and enhanced metabolism are also not directly linked to chemotherapy; in fact, chemotherapy can often lead to a weakened immune system due to the depletion of healthy white blood cells. Thus, while chemotherapy effectively targets cancer cells, it also poses significant side effects like hair loss and nausea,