What should a nurse observe for after administering chemotherapy?

After administering chemotherapy, it is critical for a nurse to observe for signs of side effects and adverse reactions due to the nature of these drugs. Chemotherapy can have a wide range of effects on the body because it targets rapidly dividing cells, which includes not only cancer cells but also healthy cells in the bone marrow, digestive tract, and hair follicles.

Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, hair loss, and changes in blood counts, which can lead to increased risk of infection or bleeding. Early recognition of these side effects allows for timely interventions, such as administering antiemetics for nausea or providing supportive care to manage fatigue.

Monitoring for adverse reactions is crucial because some patients may experience severe or unexpected reactions that can compromise their safety or treatment effectiveness. By focusing on these potential complications, nurses can ensure that patients receive comprehensive care and that any necessary adjustments to their treatment regimen are made promptly.

Other options such as increased energy levels, changes in appetite, or requests for additional pain medication might occur based on individual patient experiences and are important to assess on their own; however, they are not as immediate or critical as observing for side effects and adverse reactions following chemotherapy administration.