What are common side effects of chemotherapy?

What are common side effects of chemotherapy?

• A. Anemia, fatigue, hair loss, infection
• B. Nausea only
• C. Increased appetite and weight gain
• D. Improved energy levels

Answer: (A)

Chemotherapy often damages rapidly dividing cells in the body, especially in the bone marrow, hair follicles, and the lining of the gut. This leads to several common side effects: anemia from reduced red blood cells, which causes fatigue; hair loss due to effects on hair follicles; and a higher risk of infection because white blood cells are also diminished. Fatigue itself is a frequent companion because it stems from both anemia and ongoing treatment. Other options don’t fit because chemotherapy typically causes more than one symptom, with nausea being common but not the only or sole side effect. An increased appetite and weight gain is not typical; many patients experience reduced appetite and weight loss. Improved energy levels would be unlikely given the fatigue and marrow suppression.

Chemotherapy often damages rapidly dividing cells in the body, especially in the bone marrow, hair follicles, and the lining of the gut. This leads to several common side effects: anemia from reduced red blood cells, which causes fatigue; hair loss due to effects on hair follicles; and a higher risk of infection because white blood cells are also diminished. Fatigue itself is a frequent companion because it stems from both anemia and ongoing treatment.

Other options don’t fit because chemotherapy typically causes more than one symptom, with nausea being common but not the only or sole side effect. An increased appetite and weight gain is not typical; many patients experience reduced appetite and weight loss. Improved energy levels would be unlikely given the fatigue and marrow suppression.