After several doses of chemotherapy, a patient complains of fatigue, pallor, progressive weakness, exertional dyspnea, headache, and tachycardia. Which problem should the nurse identify as a priority for this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's symptoms suggest anemia, which can be a common complication of chemotherapy. Anemia can result in difficulty with activity, fatigue, pallor, weakness, dyspnea, and tachycardia. Therefore, managing anemia should be the nurse's priority concern. A change in nutritional status, feeling unable to control the disease process, and psychosocial issues may also be important concerns, but they are not as urgent as managing the patient's anemia.

After Several Doses of Chemotherapy, a Patient Complains of Fatigue