psych : side effects and management

Question 1

side effects :

skin

Answer 1

erythema : skin a bit tender and red from 1-2 weeks during treatment until one month after tx

Question 2

how to manage skin

Answer 2

• wash w non-perfumed soap as perfumed soap can irritate the skin .wash w lukewarm water
• wash gently, don’t scrub. pat down w clean towel
• use water based cream (E45) 2x day or more if necessary
• wear loose cotton clothing to avoid friction
• avoid exposure to extreme temps eg hot water bottles
• avoid chlorine

Question 3

how to manage fatigue

Answer 3

gentle excersize eg walking
nap during day if needed
ask for help around house and with kids

Question 4

gastrointestinal medical terms and their lay terms
diarrhoea
proctitis
increased bowel frequency

Answer 4

• bowels can become loser during first 1-2wks of tx
• irritation around backpassage /passing blood
• need to go toilet more

Question 5

gastrointestinal

management advice for patients

Answer 5

dietary advise- reduce fibre, fruit and veg, spicy food
hydration
antidarrhoeal if required

Question 6

genitourinary
cystitis
increased urine frequency
urinary urgency
nocturia

Answer 6

• stinging /burning when passing. water
• passing water more often
• difficult to hold in urine
• need to go toilet more at night

Question 7

genitourinary

management advice

Answer 7

2l a day during tx
decrease caffine
avoid alco
see doctor to ensure no infections
cranberry juice recommened

Question 8

DAMAGING AND SWELLING OF ORAL CAVITY
what
causes
appears
peaks
peaks last until

Answer 8

• damage/ swelling of oral cavity (lining of mouth and throat)
• pain and sore mouth
• 2wks into tx
• end of tx
• 2wks after tx and can persist for up to 8 wks

Question 9

DAMAGE AND SWELLING

management advice

Answer 9

• avoid hard or spicy food, hot drinks , smoking and alcohol
• will be seen by a doctor WEEKLY during tx for pain relief
• use soft toothbrush , flouride containing toothpaste and alcohol free mouthwash

Question 10

DRY MOUTH
what
lasts
management advice

Answer 10

• dry mouth due to damage to salivary gland therefore less saliva
• months after tx
• drink lots of water to keep mouth moist

Question 11

other effects

management

Answer 11

pain on swallowing and alter taste

see dietician during tx to manage diet and ensure adequate nutritional intake

Question 12

will also experience

Answer 12

erythema and fatigue

Question 13

what foods to eat:
savoury
sweet

Answer 13

soups and stews

ice cream and rice pudding

Question 14

what to do for a loss of appetite

Answer 14

• eat more smaller meals (6)
• make someone else cook for you
• try different foods

Question 15

what to do w a dry mouth

Answer 15

avoid pastries and bread as they can stick to roof of your mouth
fizzy drinks can refresh your mouth
sip drinks after meals

Question 16

what to do with a sore mouth

Answer 16

drink thru straw if lips are sore
discuss pain w doctor
avoid salty or spicy food, alco and smoking , very hot or cold foods