a. Ulceration of oral
mucosa (Stomatitis)
F Administer analgesics before meals.
F Bland diet
F No smoking/alcohol
F Good oral hygiene (saline rinses q2)
F Sugarless lemon drops or mint to increase
salivation.
b. Alopecia
F Wear wig, hat, bonnet, bandana, scarf or
anything that could be worn as a head dress.
F Inform patient that hair will eventually
grow back after chemotherapy.
c. Skin reactions
(erythema, dry/moist desquamation)
F Observe for early signs of skin reaction
and report.
F Keep area dry.
F Wash area with WATER ONLY and pat dry.
F Do not apply ointments, powders or
lotions.
F Do not apply heat, avoid direct sunshine
or cold.
F Use soft cotton fabrics for clothing.
F Do not erase markings on the skin. These serve as guide for areas of
irradiation.
d. Fatigue
F Plenty of rest and good nutrition.
e. Weight loss due to
anorexia, nausea and vomiting
F Arrange meal times
F Encourage bland foods
F Provide small attractive meals
F Avoid extremes of temperature
F Administer antiemetics as ordered before
meals
f. Diarrhea
F Encourage low residue, bland,
high-protein foods
F Administer antidiarrheal drugs as ordered
F Provide good perineal care
F Monitor electrolytes particularly Na, K,
Cl
g. Infection
F Monitor blood counts weekly.
F Good personal hygiene, nutrition and
adequate rest.
F Teach signs of infection to report to
physician.
h. Hemorrhage
F Monitor platelet count.
F Avoid physical trauma or use of aspirin.
F Teach signs of hemorrhage.
F Monitor stool and skin for signs of
hemorrhage.
F Use direct pressure over injection sites
until bleeding stops.
