Infection risk during chemotherapy

Question 1

How does chemotherapy attack the body’s normal defence mechanisms? (2 main ways)

Answer 1

Directly

Indirectly

Question 2

Where are the effects seen when chemotherapy directly attacks the body’s defence mechanisms?

Answer 2

White blood cells

Immune system

Question 3

What are some indirect ways chemotherapy can lead to infection?

Answer 3

Various ways of administration (eg long line, portacath etc)
Poor nutritional intake from nausea and vomiting
Use of antibiotics damaging normal flora

Question 4

If you suspect you have an infection whilst you are undergoing chemotherapy, what should you do?

Answer 4

Contact the hospital immediately on the 24 hour number

DO NOT delay in calling them

Question 5

Why is it important not to delay treatment for an infection if you are undergoing chemotherapy?

Answer 5

Chemo temporarily reduces ability to fight infection
Infection develops rapidly
Early infections can be treated easily

Question 6

What are the signs and symptoms of an infection?

Answer 6

Temp above 37.5
Feeling unwell and temp below 36
Shivering/hot and cold sweats
A burning feeling when you pass urine
A cough, sputum
Feeling breathless/rapid breathing
Confusion/disorientation
Redness or swelling (especially around a line)
Sore throat
Diarrhoea

Question 7

If you are a chemo patient experiencing chest pain, difficulty in breathing or severe bleeding what should you do?

Answer 7

Call 999 immediately

Question 8

When should a patient having Chemo call 999

Answer 8

If they experience chest pain, difficulty breathing or severe bleeding.