The nurse is caring for a client with ovarian cancer. The client is to receive chemotherapy consisting of paclitaxel and carboplatin. For What adverse effect of this treatment should the nurse look out for?
A.
Leukopenia
B.
Metabolic acidosis
C.
Hyperphosphatemia
D.
Respiratory alkalosis
The correct answer and Explanation is :
Correct Answer: A. Leukopenia
Leukopenia, a decrease in the number of white blood cells (WBCs), is a common adverse effect of chemotherapy. Paclitaxel and carboplatin are two drugs commonly used in the treatment of ovarian cancer, and they are both known to cause myelosuppression, which includes leukopenia.
Explanation:
Chemotherapy and Myelosuppression
Chemotherapy drugs like paclitaxel and carboplatin target rapidly dividing cells, which includes not only cancer cells but also normal cells like those in the bone marrow responsible for producing blood cells (white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets). This suppression of bone marrow activity, called myelosuppression, can lead to leukopenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia.
Leukopenia, specifically, increases the client’s risk of infection because white blood cells are crucial for fighting infections. The nurse should regularly monitor the client’s WBC count, especially the neutrophil count (a type of white blood cell), to detect neutropenia, a severe form of leukopenia that predisposes the client to life-threatening infections.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:
- B. Metabolic Acidosis: While chemotherapy can have multiple systemic effects, metabolic acidosis is not a typical direct side effect of paclitaxel and carboplatin. Acidosis may occur in other clinical scenarios, like kidney failure, but it is not a primary concern here.
- C. Hyperphosphatemia: Chemotherapy may indirectly affect kidney function, but hyperphosphatemia is not commonly associated with paclitaxel and carboplatin. Hyperphosphatemia is more common in conditions like chronic kidney disease.
- D. Respiratory Alkalosis: This condition occurs when there is excessive loss of CO₂, often due to hyperventilation. It is not a direct side effect of these chemotherapy drugs.
In summary, leukopenia is a well-known adverse effect of chemotherapy, and the nurse must vigilantly monitor the client’s immune function during treatment.